Fort Worth could ban cryptocurrency mining. Data centers might be here to stay
Fort Worth city officials are proposing new regulations for data centers, including specific zoning standards, noise limits, water efficiency requirements, and a prohibition on cryptocurrency mining as a primary use. The City Council will vote on these proposals in August, while the zoning commission will vote in July, amid ongoing resident concerns and calls for a moratorium.
Fort Worth city officials are considering amendments to regulations that would redefine how data centers operate and specifically prohibit cryptocurrency mining as a primary use due to noise and resource consumption. Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern presented proposals to the Fort Worth City Council, addressing noise ordinances, water requirements, business incentives, and the adoption of specific zoning and development standards for data centers. These measures are driven by a surge in data center development across Texas and public concerns regarding their impact on natural resources and quality of life. The city council is scheduled to vote on the comprehensive proposal on August 11, following a vote by the zoning commission on the zoning standards on July 8.
The proposed zoning regulations, if approved, would mandate data centers to be at least 250 feet from homes and power generators 300 feet away, alongside requirements for tree planting and landscaping. While Fort Worth currently lacks specific data center standards, the city is also recommending noise studies at property lines and a requirement for developers to use closed-loop cooling systems to conserve water, limiting usage to one million gallons per month for 100-acre sites. Additionally, developers might need wastewater pretreatment permits. Tax breaks are also under consideration for facilities with a minimum $500 million investment that comply with ERCOT grid connection processes, though Council member Elizabeth Beck criticized these incentives.
Seven data centers are currently planned for Fort Worth, including Black Mountain’s $10 billion facility and Edged Data Centers’ $1 billion project. Some residents, like Ann Zadeh of Community Design Fort Worth and Jalyn Gordon of Afrocentric Communiversity Village, are advocating for a moratorium on data center approvals, citing actions taken by other cities and counties like Hill County, which recently enacted a moratorium. However, McEachern noted state law limitations on implementing such a pause, particularly concerning existing planned projects, and suggested that Fort Worth proceed with regulations to set a precedent rather than pursue a moratorium which would not be possible until October at the earliest.