Tarrant County Data Center Rules Debate, Texas Legislature 2027
Fort Worth officials and Tarrant County leaders are divided over whether local governments should regulate data centers immediately or wait for the Texas Legislature to act in 2027. Opposition is growing to the proposed Circle T data center in Westlake, while Fort Worth’s proposed zoning, noise, water-use and wastewater rules remain under review.
Fort Worth City Council member Elizabeth Beck is urging local officials to regulate data centers now, while Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause favors coordinating with the Texas Legislature before adopting extensive local rules. The dispute comes as Fort Worth considers requirements involving zoning, noise, water use, wastewater and closed-loop cooling systems, and as Tarrant County seeks changes to state tax incentives.
The proposed 1.1 million-square-foot Circle T data center complex in Westlake has drawn opposition from residents and officials in neighboring Keller because of its proximity to homes and a school. Keller’s City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the project and authorized legal action if Westlake approves construction. Residents have called for larger setbacks, environmental protections and more public meetings.
The broader debate also involves power and water impacts. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an audit of data centers connecting to the state grid and directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to pause environmental permits for data-center hubs, although watchdog groups reported continued permitting activity for related gas-generation facilities. State officials are also facing low compliance with data-center water-use surveys as Texas prepares for continued industry growth.