Data center moratorium takes first steps after Fort Worth City Council’s unanimous vote
The Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved the initial step towards a 90-day moratorium on data center construction to evaluate their impact and develop regulations. The council also approved new rules for data center applications, requiring proof of state electric grid connection approval. An advisory committee was created to guide the development of long-term data center ordinances.
The Fort Worth City Council took a significant step towards imposing a 90-day moratorium on new data center construction, voting unanimously to begin the process. The moratorium, expected to take effect by February 16 after public hearings and additional votes, aims to provide city leaders time to assess the environmental impact, infrastructure compatibility, and quality of life concerns associated with data centers, ultimately leading to new long-term development regulations.
In a busy meeting, the council also approved new application rules for data center developers, requiring them to provide proof of connection approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, in line with Governor Greg Abbott's directive. Additionally, a Data Center & Infrastructure Committee was established to offer evidence-based recommendations to city staff for creating robust regulations.
The decisions come after months of public outcry and criticism from residents and community advocates regarding the rapid influx of data center proposals. While community members largely supported the moratorium, some expressed concerns about the pace of the city's actions and the stringency of future ordinances. State Representative Vikki Goodwin of Austin noted that Fort Worth's actions would signal to state lawmakers the need for broader regulation and transparency regarding data centers' energy and water use.
Critics like Kent DeCardenas and Caleb Roberts voiced apprehension that the delayed implementation of the moratorium might encourage developers to expedite applications. Residents like Gary Hogan and Sue Weston, who have been impacted by existing projects from companies such as Edged Data Centers and Black Mountain, urged the council to enact strong ordinances that protect neighborhoods from the negative effects of data center development, including noise and proximity to homes.