Fort Worth City Council approves steps to start moratorium process on data centers
The Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved initial steps to initiate a 90-day moratorium on new data center applications, with the earliest start date projected for February 2027. The council also approved the creation of a Data Center & Infrastructure Commission and an ordinance to amend city code regarding filing requirements for data center developments. These actions address concerns about energy and water use, land use, and neighborhood impacts.
The Fort Worth City Council has unanimously approved the initial steps to begin a 90-day moratorium on accepting, processing, and approving new data center applications within city limits. The earliest this halt on development could commence is February 16, 2027, according to Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern.
In addition to the moratorium process, the council also approved the establishment of the Fort Worth Data Center & Infrastructure Commission, an 11-member body tasked with studying the impacts of data centers on electricity and energy, water use, land use, neighborhood dynamics, and economic development. Furthermore, an ordinance was passed to amend the city code concerning filing requirements for data center applications, aligning with recent directives issued by Gov. Greg Abbott regarding data centers' connection to the power grid.
Mayor Mattie Parker underscored the importance of enacting