Fort Worth city officials are considering new regulations that could ban cryptocurrency mining while shaping the future of data center operations in the area. This proposal comes as data centers continue to proliferate across Texas, raising concerns among residents about their impact on natural resources and quality of life.
Proposed Regulations
Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern presented the proposals to the Fort Worth City Council, highlighting the need to amend noise ordinances, water requirements, and business incentives. The council is set to vote on these proposals on August 11, following a zoning commission vote on July 8.
Data centers have become significant contributors to Fort Worth’s tax revenue, with over $83 million in property taxes generated in the past five years. However, the city aims to address the environmental impacts, such as noise, air quality, and resource usage, particularly from cryptocurrency mining operations.
Community Concerns
Residents have expressed concerns about the noise and resource consumption associated with cryptocurrency mining. A bitcoin mining facility in nearby Hood County has faced criticism for its noise levels, prompting local efforts to incorporate environmental ordinances.
The proposed regulations would require data centers to be built at least 250 feet from homes, with power generators set back 300 feet. Additionally, noise studies would be mandatory before construction, and developers would need to implement noise mitigation measures if limits are exceeded.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Fort Worth’s water utility is prepared to support data center needs, but officials recommend closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water usage. Developers may also need wastewater pretreatment permits to manage chemical disclosures and wastewater discharge.
Tax incentives are under consideration for tech facilities investing a minimum of $500 million and complying with state power grid requirements. However, some council members, like Elizabeth Beck, oppose these incentives, arguing that data centers should not require additional motivation to establish themselves in Fort Worth.
Calls for Moratorium
Community members, including Ann Zadeh of Community Design Fort Worth, are calling for a temporary pause on data center approvals to study their impacts further. While state law allows for such moratoriums, they cannot be used to halt construction on planned data centers.
As Fort Worth navigates these challenges, the city aims to set a standard for other municipalities in managing data center growth responsibly.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
