Fort Worth hears public input before vote on data center pause

The Fort Worth City Council is currently engaged in a significant debate, hearing extensive public input on proposed changes to how data centers are regulated within the city limits. The discussion centers on three major proposals, including a potential pause on approving new data center facilities, as more than 100 citizens signed up to voice their opinions.

The key proposals under consideration are: a 90-day moratorium, which would temporarily halt the approval of new data centers while the city studies their potential impacts; the creation of a dedicated Data Center Commission or task force to investigate issues such as water use, electricity demand, and impacts on nearby neighborhoods; and the implementation of new rules and requirements for future data center construction in Fort Worth. A rally was held outside City Hall prior to the meeting, with politicians and advocates calling for stronger regulations, citing concerns about the massive impact these facilities have on the community.

While data centers have been present in Fort Worth for over 20 years, with four existing developments and one approved project in Southeast Fort Worth, a renewed interest in regulating them is sweeping across North Texas. Projects already approved will proceed even if the moratorium passes, though the council could extend the 90-day pause for an additional 90 days. Fort Worth is noted as potentially the largest city in Texas to move forward with a moratorium vote.