Denton residents call for city council to impose temporary restriction on data centers
Denton residents are urging the city council to implement a temporary moratorium on new data centers due to concerns about strain on the power grid and noise pollution. The city council held a public hearing where overwhelming support was shown for the restriction, with a vote expected in December. If approved, the moratorium would initially last 90 days with a potential 90-day extension.
Denton, Texas residents are advocating for a temporary moratorium on new data center developments, citing concerns over potential strain on the power grid and increased noise pollution. During a 90-minute public hearing held by the Denton City Council, over a dozen speakers unanimously expressed support for the restriction, with many calling for more permanent measures against future data center construction. Resident Annie Heffley stated that even a temporary moratorium "makes a statement" about the city's stance against data centers, while Mayor Pro Tem Nick Stevens observed overwhelming support for the moratorium among attendees.
The proposed moratorium, if approved, would halt the processing and approval of new data center applications for 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension. This action would not affect two existing data centers in Denton, one nearing completion and another with imminent construction. The city council is expected to vote on the moratorium in December, with another public hearing scheduled for October 27.
Denton's debate mirrors growing bipartisan backlash against data center proliferation across North Texas. Other communities, such as Red Oak, are pursuing legal action to halt projects, and Westlake and Keller residents have expressed strong opposition to approved centers. Governor Greg Abbott, who once promoted Texas as an AI development hub, has recently sought to slow down and increase oversight of new data center development in the state.