Fort Worth to ‘evaluate’ data center plan after Abbott directs statewide halt
Fort Worth's plans to discuss a local data center moratorium and new regulations were paused after Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive to halt approvals of all new data center projects across Texas. The city is now evaluating the implications of the governor's statewide order on its own efforts to regulate data centers. This statewide action follows earlier concerns from Abbott regarding data centers' electricity costs and their impact on rural areas.
Fort Worth City Council members were scheduled to receive a briefing on the next steps for a potential local data center moratorium and new regulations, but these plans were pulled from the agenda following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott. On Monday, Governor Abbott announced a statewide halt on approvals for all new data center projects in Texas until state regulatory agencies can audit existing projects seeking to join the power grid. This directive stems from Abbott's earlier concerns, expressed in a June letter, about data centers' impact on electricity costs and their presence in rural areas.
Fort Worth Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern informed the council that the city is now taking a step back to evaluate the implications of Abbott's letter. Discussions around local data center regulations have been ongoing in Fort Worth throughout the summer; in July, the city's zoning commission voted against a component that would integrate data centers into the city's zoning code and establish development standards. Subsequently, five council members formally called for a local moratorium. While the city initially shifted its focus to initiating a moratorium process, Abbott's recent statewide directive has caused a pause in these local efforts. The city of Fort Worth stated it is seeking clarity on its next steps.