While we have won recent victories in our fight against data centers, we cannot let up on the pressure. The Fort Worth Zoning Commission rejected the weak and inadequate regulations proposed by city staff and a majority of city council members have finally spoken out in favor of a moratorium. But this is not enough. We must make sure the moratorium passes and that a Data Center Citizen Task Force is established to write an effective set of regulations.

The Facts:

• Texas law makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for a city to stop an industry except for health reasons. If we must accept data centers in our midst, then we need effective ordinances that protect our health and the health of our neighbors.

• Enacting a moratorium with the support of nine council members will give the city time to develop effective regulations. The council has already wasted enough time proposing ineffective regulations based on poor research and with little to no input from the public.

• We need a Data Center Citizen Task Force to write the next set of regulations. This group must be composed exclusively of citizens, one named by each member of the council with no “equal” representation from industry. Invariably, members of the council will name as their representative on the task force people from industry thus tipping the scales. The Citizen Task Force must be 11 residents that the council and city can trust with this important job.

To make sure that data centers are good neighbors, regulations must be all encompassing and consider every issue that these facilities present. Zoning, noise, enforcement, tax incentives, and water usage are all aspects that must be addressed. Some key things to consider:

• The only way to mediate noise is with distance and design. Effective setbacks and equipment placement requirements must be in zoning ordinances.

• The city must amend the noise ordinance to effectively target the type of noise data centers generate. It must also be amended to provide adequate enforcement. Persistent noise must be regulated as a health issue for the public.

• The city must not grant tax incentives now or in the future.

• The city must require water to be used as conservatively as possible, both on-site and in electrical generation off-site.

Good regulations take time to develop, research to be effective, and an understanding of the unique neighborhoods that make up Fort Worth. This is not a quick process. The city council first called for a study and new regulations in March. Four months later and we are no closer. A moratorium, if it goes into effect, won’t start until December. With the state potentially enacting their own regulations, most notably for rural areas, Fort Worth must act now.

Call to Action

1. Sign the letter for the City of Fort Worth City Council requesting that every member publicly declare their support for a moratorium and the establishment of a Data Center Citizen Task Force to write regulations and ordinances.

2. Call and request a meeting with your councilperson to express your concerns and to push for the moratorium and the Data Center Citizen Task Force.

3. Join us at the Fort Worth City Council meeting on August 11 at 6 PM. Request that the council establish the Data Center Task Force.