Fort Worth leaders want to pause data center work
Five Fort Worth City Council members are advocating for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction within city limits. This call stems from ongoing resident concerns regarding noise pollution, infrastructure strain, and high water and energy consumption. The council members seek more time to research and develop balanced regulations for future data center developments.
Five Fort Worth City Council members, including Carlos Flores, Mia Hall, Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck, and Jeanette Martinez, are urging a temporary pause on new data center construction in the city. This initiative comes amidst growing public concern following recent community meetings where residents voiced issues such as noise pollution, demands on city infrastructure, and significant water and energy consumption.
The council members believe a moratorium is necessary to allow for additional time to research, engage stakeholders, and refine regulations that can balance economic opportunities with the protection of residents, neighborhoods, natural resources, and critical infrastructure. They emphasized the importance of getting these regulations right rather than rushing them through.
Separately, Fort Worth zoning officials recently rejected proposed recommendations related to data centers after hearing from concerned residents. The Fort Worth City Council is expected to continue discussions on the data center debate in upcoming work sessions and meetings.