Taylor residents want county’s help to curb data centers

Taylor-area residents are appealing to Williamson County leaders for support in their efforts to halt data center developments. Pamela Griffin, a Taylor resident, addressed the Williamson County Commissioners Court on August 25, requesting aid in opposing a data center planned for 87 acres in her neighborhood. Griffin and several neighbors have filed a lawsuit against Blueprint Projects Data Center, asserting that the original land deed designated the property as parkland.

While a state district judge initially allowed the data center to proceed, the plaintiffs contend the issue is unresolved. They have also initiated a separate legal action to compel the Taylor City Council to include a vote on data-center zoning on the upcoming November 3 general election ballot. Griffin highlighted that her community is a "poor black and brown community" lacking the resources to fight such a large development, expressing concerns about health and quality of life.

Another resident, Leticia Flores of Precinct 4, spoke to commissioners about the proposed Powerhouse + Big Watt data center and power plant in Taylor's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Flores raised concerns regarding noise, water usage, water discharge, emissions, property values, and long-term health risks associated with a power generation facility near residential areas. She urged the court to prioritize rigorous oversight, ensure multi-jurisdictional transparency, and actively incorporate local constituent feedback before granting approvals or county-level agreements. County Judge Steven Snell invited Griffin to submit her statement via email, as the matter was not an agenda item.