Taylor council pushes data center decision to September
Taylor residents, organized by HALT Taylor Data Centers, are actively opposing data center development and submitted a petition for stricter zoning. The Taylor City Council is exploring local ordinance changes for data centers, including a potential zoning vote in September, after determining a popular vote on zoning is not permissible under state law. The proposed amendments address environmental protection, noise, air quality, and water conservation.
Taylor, Texas residents, led by the coalition HALT Taylor Data Centers, expressed anger and disappointment after the Taylor City Council announced a delay in a decision regarding tighter data center zoning controls until September. The council stated that state law prevents zoning changes via popular vote, despite a petition with 1,400 signatures from residents, certified by Williamson County officials, advocating for such a measure and a pause on data center construction.
Instead of a public vote, the City Council plans to allow public comment in July and vote on a possible zoning change in September. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Cmerek acknowledged community concerns, assuring residents that the council's determination was about legal process, not the validity of their concerns. She urged continued involvement in developing new regulations that aim to protect neighborhoods.
The proposed amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code would establish new requirements for data centers and other digital infrastructure, including measures for environmental protection, performance, compatibility with neighborhoods, noise mitigation, air quality, and water conservation. These draft regulations are currently available on the city’s website for public feedback.
Separately, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently called for a ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods and urged the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to ensure data centers cover their own electric infrastructure costs and lower residents' energy bills.