Fort Worth’s debate over data center development took another significant step Thursday evening as five Fort Worth City Council members announced their support for initiating a temporary moratorium on new data center projects.
In a joint statement, Council Members Carlos Flores, Mia Hall, Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck, and Jeanette Martinez said additional time is needed to strengthen the city’s proposed regulations following extensive public feedback and this week’s Zoning Commission meeting.
The council members said a temporary pause would allow for more research, stakeholder engagement, and the development of regulations that better balance economic growth with the protection of neighborhoods, natural resources, infrastructure, and water and energy demands.
The proposed moratorium would not affect existing data centers or projects already in the city’s development pipeline, such as the Edged Data Center at Veale Ranch just minutes west of Benbrook. Instead, it would temporarily pause new applications while the city develops stronger regulations.
The proposal is expected to be presented at an upcoming Fort Worth City Council meeting. Residents can read the full joint statement on the council members’ Facebook post on Facebook.
Join the Conversation
Join the discussion. Log in or create a free account to share your thoughts.