FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth City Council has unanimously taken the first steps toward temporarily halting new data center development while city leaders study the industry's effects on the electric grid, water resources, infrastructure and surrounding communities.
Mayor Mattie Parker announced the council's action in a statement, saying Fort Worth has an opportunity to develop stronger regulations as rapid growth in artificial intelligence and other technology increases demand for large-scale data centers.
The temporary moratorium is not yet in effect. Parker said the city must first complete state-mandated procedural requirements before it can formally take effect.
“There is understandable concern across our city, state, and country about the infrastructure demands and potential environmental impacts of data centers,” Parker said.
At the same time, Parker described data center development as important to the future economy and national security, saying the city needs regulations that protect residents without discouraging high-tech investment.
Fort Worth Creates Data Center Commission
As part of the council's action, Fort Worth established the Fort Worth Data Center & Infrastructure Commission.
The commission will be led by Dr. Mike Slattery, director of the Institute for Environmental Studies at Texas Christian University.
According to Parker, the expert commission will study the issue during the coming months and help city leaders develop a data-backed regulatory framework.
The mayor said she wants Fort Worth positioned to take action before the next Texas legislative session.
City leaders are expected to examine ways to strengthen existing ordinances while addressing concerns about infrastructure demands and environmental impacts.
New Applications Must Show Grid Approval
The City Council also approved an ordinance establishing an additional requirement for companies seeking to build new data centers in Fort Worth.
Under the ordinance, every new data center application must include evidence of grid interconnection approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT.
The requirement comes amid growing scrutiny of the enormous electricity demands associated with data center development.
Parker said the city's action aligns with Gov. Greg Abbott's audit and temporary pause involving data center development in Texas.
“I strongly believe a statewide framework is critical due to the impact of these developments to our electric grid and water systems,” Parker said.
Mayor Says Residents' Concerns Must Be Addressed
Parker said data centers have generated an unusual level of public interest for what would normally be considered a zoning and development issue.
Fort Worth officials have heard concerns through public comments, community engagement and polling, according to the mayor.
Parker cited a recent Gallup poll indicating roughly seven in 10 Americans oppose AI data centers being developed in their communities.
Despite those concerns, Parker said the goal is not simply to prevent technology investment. Instead, she said Fort Worth needs to balance economic development with residents' quality of life and the capacity of existing infrastructure.
The mayor said carefully developed regulations could allow Fort Worth to remain competitive for high-tech investment and expand its municipal tax base while protecting residents and critical resources.
“It is our responsibility as policymakers to move forward, understanding these concerns, to find solutions that protect what matters most to our residents while building a stronger future for Fort Worth,” Parker said.
