Fort Worth weighs data center growth as residents raise concerns
Fort Worth is considering a 90-day moratorium on new data center construction amidst growing resident concerns over land, water, and electricity usage. The city is studying possible regulations, with a public hearing on the proposed moratorium scheduled for November 10th. Residents, including those in Westlake and Keller, are actively voicing opposition to data centers near their homes.
The City of Fort Worth, Texas, is evaluating the rapid expansion of data centers in North Texas, prompted by increasing resident concerns about their impact on local neighborhoods, land, and critical resources like water and electricity. On August 11, the city initiated discussions for a potential 90-day moratorium on new data center construction, allowing time to study and develop possible regulations.
There are currently four operational data centers in Fort Worth, including facilities by Meta, QTS, TierPoint, and Centersquare Data Centers, with one more under construction and four proposed. These facilities, driven by demand for AI and cloud storage, require substantial land, can consume millions of gallons of water daily for cooling, and use immense amounts of electricity—a 20-megawatt center can power over 16,550 homes daily.
Residents in nearby Westlake and Keller have actively opposed developments like the proposed Circle T project, citing concerns about proximity to homes and quality of life. Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause has engaged with residents, holding a town hall where many expressed understanding for the need for data centers but insisted on 'guardrails' for their placement and operation.
The Fort Worth Data Center and Infrastructure Commission (DCIC) is set to present its recommendations to the city council on November 3, followed by a public hearing on the proposed moratorium at Fort Worth City Hall on November 10.