Fort Worth council to vote on data center moratorium amid rapid growth
The Fort Worth City Council is preparing to vote on a proposed 90-day moratorium on new data center development due to rapid growth and community concerns. Five council members are advocating for the pause to allow a task force to study the impacts of data centers on local resources and neighborhoods. Community advocates support a more deliberate process for development.
The Fort Worth City Council is currently convening at City Hall to address escalating concerns regarding data center development within the city. Several council members have previously signed a document advocating for a temporary 90-day moratorium on new data center projects, with a vote expected later tonight.
Data center development in Fort Worth is occurring at an accelerated pace, leading to considerable debate over appropriate regulation. Councilman Chris Nettles, one of five council members backing the moratorium, stressed the importance of taking a pause to thoroughly evaluate the situation. Community advocate Ambakka Sharma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a more deliberate and thoughtful process rather than an outright ban, stating that the community was not satisfied with earlier zoning recommendations.
In addition to the moratorium vote, the City Council will also consider establishing a data center task force. This group would be charged with researching and assessing the impacts of data center development on local resources, energy infrastructure, and surrounding neighborhoods. Sharma views the potential formation of this task force and a more considered approach as a victory for Fort Worth residents.