The debate over data centers continues across central Texas. The state currently has 493 data centers, with 65 of those located in the Austin market.
Thursday night, the Taylor City Council is set to consider a pause on data centers across the city, another central Texas suburb joining a growing list of cities grappling with the rapid development of data centers.
The vote is in response to a petition signed by more than 1,400 residents who want to see these projects paused over concerns about water use and their quality of life.
The petition calls for new rules on where data centers can be built in Taylor. The rules being suggested would temporarily pause new and pending projects, remove data centers from current zoning categories, create a new “digital infrastructure” zoning district, and require future projects to go through a public review process.
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Many residents say those changes would help establish standards for water use, protect the local water supply, limit noise, and require environmental studies for any facility proposed within 1,000 feet of homes.
After the petition was submitted, the City launched a website explaining its position on data centers. It says they generate significant tax revenue for the city and school district while having minimal traffic impact because they employ relatively few people.
City officials say their legal team has also been reviewing the proposed ordinance and verifying the petition signatures.
Public comments at Thursday night’s meeting in Taylor will begin at 6 p.m.
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