Fort Worth City Council approves 90-day pause on new data center projects
The Fort Worth City Council has approved a 90-day moratorium on new data center applications, including rezoning and permit requests. This decision follows calls from the Sensible Data Center Coalition, which expressed concerns about the industry's impact on city infrastructure. The moratorium will begin on February 16 and can be extended for an additional 90 days.
The Fort Worth City Council recently approved a 90-day moratorium on new applications for data center rezoning and permits, effective February 16 through May 17. The decision came as the city faces growing questions regarding the industry's rapid expansion and potential impact on local infrastructure.
Ahead of the council meeting, the Sensible Data Center Coalition, a group of community members, held a press conference advocating for a temporary pause. A coalition speaker emphasized the need for the city to better understand how data centers could affect Fort Worth's infrastructure, likening the industry's growth to "a giant."
The council's approval initiates the legal process for the moratorium, with an option to extend it for another 90 days. A coalition member described the moratorium as "a timeout," not a "tantrum," highlighting the need for careful consideration.