Fort Worth pushes for data center regulations
The Fort Worth City Council is considering a 90-day moratorium on new data center developments to allow time for public feedback and to develop new regulations. This move is supported by community leaders and residents, who cite concerns about infrastructure strain and neighborhood impact. The local initiative aligns with a broader statewide pause on data center approvals ordered by Governor Greg Abbott due to power grid audits.
The Fort Worth City Council is currently debating a proposed 90-day moratorium on new data center developments. The temporary halt aims to provide the city with sufficient time to gather public feedback and craft new regulations to address growing concerns about the impact of these large facilities.
During a recent council meeting, dozens of residents and community leaders, including Annie Zadeh, executive director for Community Design Fort Worth, and Krista Erbe, a community organizer with the 2871 Coalition, spoke in favor of the moratorium. They emphasized the need for community involvement in decisions affecting infrastructure strain and neighborhood impact, advocating for a seat at the table in shaping the city's development.
The proposed local moratorium follows a similar statewide directive issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott last week, which paused data center approvals for power grid audits. The Fort Worth City Council is also considering a resolution to create a data center committee with at least three community members and discuss aligning local code changes with Governor Abbott's mandate to only approve projects that pass power grid audits.
The council's vote on the moratorium is pending, with FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth expected to provide updates.