PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Taylor residents protest proposed data center
Residents in Taylor, Texas, are opposing a proposed $1 billion data center, citing concerns about noise, pollution, and property values. The "Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition" submitted a citizen-initiated ordinance to the City Council to implement stricter regulations for data centers. Although the city denied the ballot initiative due to Texas law prohibiting zoning changes by popular vote, officials stated they are actively pursuing amendments to land development codes to address digital infrastructure.
Residents of Taylor, Texas, are strongly opposing a proposed billion-dollar data center, leading to the formation of the "Halt Taylor Data Center Coalition." The coalition presented a citizen-initiated ordinance to the Taylor City Council on July 9, requesting a halt to new data centers in all zoning districts unless the city implements more stringent regulations.
Community members expressed significant concerns regarding noise, light pollution, electro-magnetic fields, and potential water and air contamination. They urged the City Council to prioritize residents over corporations, warning that if their demands were not met, the issue would be put to a public vote.
City officials, while acknowledging community concerns, announced that the ballot initiative would not proceed. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek clarified that Texas law prohibits zoning changes by popular vote. However, Cmerek encouraged residents to remain involved as the city actively pursues amendments to its comprehensive plan and land development codes to address data centers and all digital infrastructure, emphasizing that community input is shaping these new regulations.