DATA CENTER A GO DESPITE OPPOSITION

In Taylor, Texas, a coalition of residents, the Halt Taylor Data Centers Coalition, is intensifying its efforts against proposed data center developments in the area. At a recent press conference, Clayton Tucker, secretary of the Texas Farmers Union, called for a statewide moratorium on data centers until more information regarding their true costs, particularly concerning water and power consumption, is made available. Local critics are urging the Taylor City Council to postpone approving zoning changes for "Project Comal," a planned data center on 210 to 220 acres. They advocate for the city to revise its regulations governing data center developments before further approvals are granted. Residents express concerns about potential negative impacts, including increased power prices, depleted or contaminated water wells, and low-frequency vibrations from the facilities. The opposition movement also highlighted ongoing legal challenges against another development, the $1 billion "Blueprint Data Center," located on Taylor's south side. Although the Blueprint Data Center has already received council approval and tax incentives, residents filed a lawsuit arguing the land was intended for a park and raised environmental concerns. While a state district judge dismissed the lawsuit in October, an appeal is currently underway, indicating continued opposition.