Why is Fort Worth letting California tech bros call data center shots? | Opinion

An opinion piece in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram criticizes Fort Worth's zoning commission for its quiet approval of rezoning for multiple massive data centers. The author highlights the lack of environmental impact studies, policies, regulations, and a strategic plan for the city's future development. The article specifically mentions the impending approval of a property tax abatement for the $1 billion Edged data center, which is projected to create only around 20 jobs paying below the city's median income. The author questions why the city is allowing out-of-state tech companies to dictate Fort Worth's future and raises serious concerns about the potential strain these data centers will place on the city's water supply and its already unpredictable power grid. It urges the Fort Worth City Council to become better informed and make thoughtful, educated decisions regarding the city's finite resources. The piece draws parallels to historical American achievements that required compromise and informed leadership, contrasting them with current governmental discussions centered on corruption and incompetence, linking these issues to wealthy individuals' influence over politicians.