FORT WORTH, Texas — Five Fort Worth City Council members are calling for a temporary moratorium on the construction of new data centers to allow the city more time to develop regulations addressing community concerns.
Council members Carlos Flores, Mia Hall, Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck and Jeanette Martinez requested the pause after recent public meetings where residents raised concerns about proposed data center projects.
Fort Worth currently has four operating data centers, with at least four additional facilities planned.
In a joint statement, the council members said data centers can provide economic benefits but argued the city should carefully evaluate their potential impacts before approving more projects.
They cited concerns about noise pollution, water and energy consumption, and increased demands on infrastructure.
“We believe it is far more important to get these regulations right than rushed,” the council members said, adding that additional time is needed for research and stakeholder engagement to balance economic development with protecting neighborhoods, natural resources and critical infrastructure.
Council Member Elizabeth Beck said Fort Worth has an opportunity to establish regulations before data centers become more widespread throughout the city.
She said the city recognizes the growing demand for data centers driven by technology, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, banking and transportation, but wants to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place before additional facilities are built.
The Fort Worth City Council is expected to continue discussing the proposed moratorium and potential data center regulations during upcoming work sessions and council meetings.