Fort Worth weighs moratorium and new rules as data center projects spark neighborhood concerns
Fort Worth City Council is considering a 90-day moratorium, a new data center committee, and potential new requirements for data centers. This comes amid local opposition to an already-approved Black Mountain Energy project, with residents raising environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The site plan for the Black Mountain Energy data center is scheduled for discussion.
Fort Worth City Council members are preparing to vote on three proposals aimed at regulating data center development in the city. These include implementing a 90-day moratorium on new data center proposals, establishing a dedicated data center committee, and defining new requirements for future facilities. If approved, the moratorium would temporarily halt new applications but would not affect projects already greenlit, such as the Black Mountain Energy development.
Resident Sue Weston, owner of the historic Weston Gardens in south Fort Worth, is a prominent opponent of the Black Mountain Energy project. She argues that the data center, slated to be built behind her property, threatens the peace and serenity of her land, could harm local wildlife, and cause structural damage to her century-old property from cooling system vibrations. Weston also voiced concerns about the broader environmental impact, specifically regarding water resources, stating it is "not an environmentally sound thing."
The Black Mountain Energy project received approval from the zoning commission earlier this year, and Councilmember Chris Nettles, representing the district, supports its development. Nettles contends the project will not negatively affect Weston Gardens, citing a planned 300-foot buffer between the facility and the gardens. He also clarified that the proposed 90-day moratorium would not alter the timeline for the already-approved Black Mountain Energy project, noting that the council cannot retroactively reverse a past unanimous vote.
Weston, however, plans to continue her fight against the development, advocating for both her property and the wider community. The Black Mountain Energy site plans are set for discussion at a city council meeting on August 25. If the council passes the moratorium, it would take effect in December. Prior to a recent meeting, residents and local environmental groups rallied outside Fort Worth City Hall, demonstrating ongoing public opposition.