Denton City Council opened its first public hearing on September 22 to consider a temporary moratorium on new data center development within city limits. Mayor Chris Watts emphasized the importance of community input, saying, “It’s important to hear your voices. It also helps us, because we’re up here trying to make decisions to better the community.”
Key points from the hearing
Council members heard testimony from residents on both sides of the issue. Supporters of the moratorium warned that a rapid increase in data center density could strain Denton’s electric transmission system and potentially affect air quality, though Council Member George Ferrie noted the lack of long‑term studies on such impacts.
Opponents highlighted the financial upside of data centers, citing a $3 billion increase in property‑tax value that the city has already realized from existing facilities. They argued that continued growth could further bolster the local economy and fund essential services.
Legal process and timeline
The council unanimously voted on August 18 to begin the legal steps required for a moratorium. Under Texas law, two public hearings must be held before a resolution can be adopted. If the council votes in favor, a 90‑day pause on new data‑center permits would take effect immediately, with the option to extend the pause for an additional 90 days.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 27, and a final vote on the moratorium could occur as early as December 2, according to a presentation by Denton Development Services Director Charlie Rosendahl.
Current data‑center landscape
Core Scientific operates the city’s larger data center, providing 391 megawatts of electrical capacity. The company recently asked to lease additional public land south of its existing site, though details of the intended use remain unclear. DME Assistant General Manager Chris Lutrick said the request does not yet exceed the megawatt limits set in the power purchase agreement, which are overseen by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Another facility, Qumulus AI, is slated to add 20 megawatts when it becomes operational in 2028. Construction has not yet begun, and the city is not currently discussing any new projects while the moratorium process is underway.
State‑level context
Governor Greg Abbott recently issued a statewide directive halting new data‑center permits while ERCOT conducts an audit of proposed projects. The order applies to facilities over 75 megawatts, requiring a detailed interconnection study before any new connections are approved.
Rosendahl noted that Denton’s transmission system was already operating near capacity before the recent wave of large data‑center developments, underscoring the local concerns about grid reliability.
What’s next for Denton?
City officials will continue to gather public feedback during the second hearing and will evaluate whether a moratorium best serves Denton’s long‑term interests. The council’s decision will balance the need for reliable electric service with the economic benefits that data‑center tax revenue provides.
Residents are encouraged to attend the October 27 hearing and submit comments to the city’s planning department. The outcome will shape how Denton manages high‑tech growth while protecting its infrastructure and quality of life.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
