FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026
Fort Worth City Councilmembers Call for Data Center Moratorium
Responding to concerns about data center impacts and the need for thoughtful regulation, the Councilmembers will propose a temporary moratorium at the next City Council meeting
FORT WORTH, Texas — We recognize the growing concerns our residents have expressed regarding the rapid development of data centers in our community and across the nation. Data centers have become an important part of today’s economy, supporting healthcare, financial systems, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and countless digital services that people rely on every day. At the same time, these facilities raise legitimate questions regarding land use compatibility, water and energy consumption, noise, infrastructure demands, and their long-term impact on surrounding neighborhoods. That is why it is critically important that the City of Fort Worth establish thoughtful and effective regulations governing these facilities.
We appreciate the significant work City staff have invested in developing a proposed regulatory framework and bringing this important issue to the public. Their efforts have created a strong foundation for a conversation that is both necessary and timely.
However, following the public meeting on June 30 and the Zoning Commission’s consideration on July 8, it’s become clear to not only us, but also residents, stakeholders, and commissioners, that there are important issues that warrant additional discussion and refinement before these regulations should move forward. We believe it is far more important to get these regulations right than rushed.
Accordingly, we are requesting additional time for research and stakeholder engagement, so Fort Worth can adopt regulations that thoughtfully balance economic opportunity with the protection of our residents, neighborhoods, natural resources, and critical infrastructure.
To ensure we protect residents while this work continues, we support initiating the process for a temporary moratorium on new data center development.
By taking the time to get this right, we will protect our residents, preserve the character of our neighborhoods, and provide the certainty needed for responsible growth. That is the leadership our residents deserve, and it is the commitment we share.
