Fort Worth enters ‘robust discussions’ about data centers. Are regulations coming?
The Fort Worth City Council is holding a briefing on data centers following growing opposition and concerns about proposed developments. This could lead to new regulations for data center approval, with a $10 billion project from Black Mountain already facing delays in its zoning requests. Discussions will cover energy and water demands, and any changes to the city's zoning code are expected to be considered by the City Council in August.
Fort Worth City Council is set to receive a briefing from city staff regarding data center developments, a move requested by City Council member Michael Crain due to increasing public opposition to proposed projects on the city's southeast and southwest fringes. The briefing will cover existing approval processes, how other Texas cities manage data center growth, and the environmental impact of these facilities, particularly their energy and water demands. Crain emphasized the importance of establishing clear regulations to balance neighborhood quality of life with commercial development.
Meanwhile, City Council member Chris Nettles reported that Black Mountain, an energy consortium behind a proposed $10 billion data center in southeast Fort Worth, is expected to request a delay for its zoning applications for an 80-acre site. These requests have been on hold since January, following concerns raised by leaders in the neighboring cities of Forest Hill and Everman. The briefing marks the beginning of extensive discussions, with any potential changes to the city's zoning code for data centers first going before the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, with City Council aiming for a final vote in August.