After residents concerns the City of Fort Worth is taking action on data centers

The Fort Worth Zoning Commission is currently reviewing proposed regulations for data centers following public feedback and community concerns regarding noise, water usage, and impact on neighborhoods. These amendments, introduced in June, aim to establish specific standards for data centers, including limiting new facilities to industrial zoning districts and reclassifying cryptocurrency mining for increased regulation due to noise and resource consumption.

City officials highlight that data centers have generated over $83 million in gross property tax revenue for Fort Worth in the past five years. However, the proposed policy changes also seek to tighten criteria for economic development incentives.

This local initiative comes amidst a significant surge in data center development across Texas. ERCOT, the state's electric grid manager, estimates that large power users, primarily data centers, could quadruple Texas' electricity demand within the next decade. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has made data center regulation a priority for the 2027 legislative session, urging the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to ensure the industry covers its growth costs rather than passing them to consumers. Proposed state laws would mandate water-efficient technology, require usage reporting, aim to lower electricity costs, and repeal sales tax exemptions.

The Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed local policy changes on August 11.