Temple mayor sends message to residents on data center as recall efforts grow

Temple, Texas Mayor Tim Davis has publicly defended the city's decision to support multiple Rowan data center developments, despite growing public controversy and a citizen-led movement to recall city officials. On April 29, Mayor Davis sent a letter to residents addressing five key concerns: water usage, electricity grid impact, noise and traffic, environmental effects, and tax revenue, arguing the new facilities will utilize advanced cooling technology, comply with local ordinances, and generate significant tax income. Davis clarified that the two million gallons of water expected to be used and recirculated over 10-12 years is a small fraction of the city's capacity and will be coordinated to avoid impacting fire response. He noted that the electricity grid is managed by ERCOT and Oncor, not the city, but emphasized compliance with local ordinances. On noise and traffic, he stated developers must submit and adhere to approved mitigation plans, while environmental compliance will follow existing local, state, and federal laws. However, the mayor's letter has further fueled recall efforts against him and two city council members, Jessica Walker and Mike Pilkington, who are deemed eligible for recall. Joe Royer, an organizer with the citizen group, expressed gratitude for the letter, stating it inadvertently raised awareness and garnered new support for their cause. Royer criticized the mayor's stance, summarizing it as 'it's not my job' and 'if it doesn't happen here, it's gonna happen somewhere.' The opposition group, now boasting around 200 volunteers, is actively collecting signatures, aiming for 5,000 within 30 days to initiate the recall process. Royer highlighted that the mayor's letter failed to address concerns about the 'heat island effect,' which he claims could raise surrounding temperatures by 4 to 16 degrees, impacting a wide area including downtown Temple. The group remains committed to stopping the development, asserting it is 'not a done deal' and can still be prevented.