Fort Worth lawmaker: Why are data centers getting tax breaks?
State Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth is raising concerns about the proliferation of data centers in Tarrant County. She questions the tax breaks they receive, their environmental impact, and their strain on critical infrastructure like electricity and water. Collier advocates for a pause in data center development to allow for better planning and local government control.
State Representative Nicole Collier, representing Fort Worth, has voiced significant concerns regarding the increasing presence of data centers in Tarrant County, Texas. She highlighted several issues, including the environmental impact of these facilities and the substantial tax breaks they receive, questioning the justification for such incentives when the companies might develop anyway. Collier pointed out the strain data centers place on Texas's infrastructure, citing the inadequacy exposed during Winter Storm Uri, and questioned if these facilities would take priority over essential services for residents.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for a coordinated approach, noting that while cities have authority over zoning, the state is responsible for broader infrastructure and resource management, including electricity and water utilities. She argued that local governments currently lack sufficient control over data center construction within their communities. Representative Collier strongly advocated for a "pause" in data center development to allow state and city officials to collaborate on a comprehensive plan. This plan would address the various concerns, ensure adequate infrastructure, and empower local governments to better manage development within their jurisdictions.