Fort Worth City Council convened on November 10 for the first of two required public hearings on a possible moratorium that would pause new data‑center development while the city crafts stricter regulations. The hearing, attended by about two dozen speakers, marked the next step in a state‑mandated process that began with a unanimous council vote in August to initiate the moratorium effort.
According to the Fort Worth Report, council members reviewed a 156‑page report from the Fort Worth Data Center & Infrastructure Commission, which was created in August to study electricity, water use, land‑use impacts and economic effects of data centers. The commission delivered 19 recommendations, including requiring closed‑loop cooling systems, expanding the required setback from homes from 50 to 350 feet, and enforcing noise standards. Fox 4 noted that these recommendations are intended to give developers “much more certainty” while giving the city a roadmap for future policy.
Community advocates voiced strong support. Esmeralda Zuniga told the council, “Fort Worth has a unique opportunity to take the bull by the horns and make real progress that is for the community,” and urged passage of the moratorium. Julie Waters, founder of Texans United Against Data Centers, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Texas is not for sale. Fort Worth is not for sale,” and called for the city to send a clear message to developers.
Opposition was limited to a single voice. Resident David Martinez argued that the pause could hinder artificial‑intelligence innovation, but his comments were outweighed by the overwhelming pro‑moratorium sentiment.
If approved, the moratorium would become effective on February 23, 2027, and last 90 days, barring new data‑center construction and halting city decisions on zoning changes and permits for new projects. Existing approved projects, such as the $10 billion Black Mountain facility in southeast Fort Worth, would continue under current standards, as noted by the Fort Worth Report. The city could extend the pause for an additional 90 days, for a maximum of 180 days under state law, according to Assistant City Manager Jessica McEachern, cited by Community Impact.
The state backdrop includes Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to halt permitting for new data centers and to audit grid connections, a move reported by both the Fort Worth Report and Community Impact. Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers are drafting legislation that could ban tax incentives for data centers and require disclosure of water and electricity usage, with bills filed by Rep. Salman Bhojani and Rep. Armin Mizani.
Looking ahead, the council’s next public hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2027. A second council reading on February 23 could formally adopt the moratorium, with the 90‑day pause running through May 24, 2027, unless extended. Residents and local officials will continue to monitor the process as Fort Worth seeks to balance economic growth with protection of water resources, air quality, and community character.
Sources: fortworthreport.org, fox4news.com, communityimpact.com, fortworthreport.org
