State vs. local control over data centers under debate as Fort Worth considers moratorium
Fort Worth City Council is considering a temporary moratorium on data center development, driven by resident concerns over environmental impact and quality of life. This local debate coincides with statewide discussions in Texas about data center regulations, tax exemptions, and state versus local control. A vote on the moratorium is expected soon.
Fort Worth, Texas, is grappling with the rapid expansion of the data center industry as residents and officials debate the balance between economic development and environmental protection. Resident Sue Weston, whose property neighbors a $10 billion data center project by Black Mountain, expresses disappointment in the lack of urgency from city leaders regarding concerns about natural resources and quality of life. A growing number of Tarrant County residents are calling for stricter regulations, a temporary pause, or a ban on data center development.
The Fort Worth City Council is set to renew discussions on data centers and plans to vote on a temporary moratorium, with a majority of council members reportedly in favor. If approved, the moratorium would suspend decisions on new projects for 90 days, with an option to extend. Simultaneously, the Texas Legislature is preparing to address data center regulations in its upcoming session, following Governor Greg Abbott's recent call for an audit of proposed data center projects connecting to the state's electric grid and a suggestion to end state tax exemptions. Abbott also announced a pause on new data centers in Texas.
While some residents and officials, including State Sen. Taylor Rehmet, advocate for a special legislative session on data centers to clarify positions on local control before November elections, others, like Leigh Wambsganss, find it unrealistic. Both Rehmet and Wambsganss support a statewide moratorium and ending tax exemptions for data centers. The debate also involves repealing the "Death Star bill" to restore local governments' authority over ordinances. The Data Center Coalition, represented by Dan Diorio, is lobbying to maintain Texas's business-friendly climate for digital infrastructure.
Fort Worth city staff previously tabled zoning recommendations after the city's zoning commission pushed for stricter rules and council members favored a moratorium. City officials are now researching new regulations and considering a community-led task force to address public concerns, while residents like Weston continue to hope for decisive leadership from local and state governments.