Fort Worth City Council Enacts 90-Day Data Center Moratorium
Fort Worth City Council has enacted a 90-day moratorium on new data center developments. This pause allows officials to address concerns regarding electricity, water, noise, and neighborhood impacts, and to develop new regulations.
Fort Worth, Texas, has become the latest city in the state to implement a temporary pause on new data center construction. The City Council unanimously approved a 90-day moratorium, with the possibility of extension, to address growing concerns.
City officials are weighing the impacts of data centers on electricity and water resources, as well as noise and broader neighborhood quality of life issues. Mayor Mattie Parker stated the pause is intended to provide the city with sufficient time to craft regulations that effectively balance economic growth with residents' concerns.
In parallel with the moratorium, Fort Worth is establishing a new data center and infrastructure commission. This body, to be led by an environmental studies professor from Texas Christian University, will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and guidelines for data center development within the city.