Fort Worth to weigh local data center regulations as residents call for moratorium
Fort Worth City Council is considering new regulations for data center development, including potential zoning code amendments, noise limits, and water use requirements. Residents are actively pushing for a temporary moratorium on new projects due to environmental and health concerns. These proposals could go before the Zoning Commission in July and the City Council in August.
Fort Worth City Council has begun to consider implementing new development standards and a potential temporary moratorium on data center projects, following a comprehensive presentation by Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern. This move comes amid increasing resident concerns over environmental and health impacts, as several multi-billion dollar data center developments have sought rezoning and tax agreements within the city.
McEachern's proposals include amendments to local zoning codes, such as prohibiting cryptocurrency mining as a primary use, mandating increased setbacks, and requiring acoustic barriers and specific parameters for backup generators. The city also plans to regulate data center wastewater and require new facilities to adopt water-efficient closed-loop cooling systems. Additionally, new economic development guidelines would require developers seeking incentives to commit to a minimum $500 million initial investment and disclose the end user of the data center, preventing incentives for speculative projects.
A 90-day moratorium on new data center developments was presented as an option, though it would not be feasible until late October due to recent state guideline changes. Despite this, residents and local activists, led by Ann Zadeh of Community Design Fort Worth, held a rally outside City Hall, urging an immediate moratorium to allow for further study of data centers' impacts on water, energy, noise, and land use.
City Council member Elizabeth Beck expressed strong opposition to offering tax incentives, arguing that Fort Worth's size and desirability should attract developers without financial inducements. Conversely, Council member Michael Crain, who initiated the presentation, stated the city is committed to developing these projects responsibly and will facilitate extensive community discussions. The proposed zoning amendments are slated for review by the Fort Worth Zoning Commission in July, with the City Council expected to act on these and other regulatory changes in August.