When Black Mountain, an energy company that some environmental activists claim uses shady tactics to help tech companies set up shop, announced plans for a $10 billion data center site in Fort Worth, residents were quick to push back.
As Texas continues to become an epicenter for data centers, more and more communities are sounding the alarm. From sound and air pollution to increased strains on Texas’ power grid and water supply, Texans are demanding a stop to new developments while local leaders weigh the pros and cons of allowing construction in their regions.
In May, Fort Worth residents demanded a moratorium of their own. Earlier this month, the city of Fort Worth responded by presenting plans to regulate data center developments throughout Tarrant County, including creating zoning, noise, water, and economic development standards.
According to a press release from the city, the standards are meant to “protect nearby neighborhoods and resources while ensuring the city can responsibly manage growth, maintain oversight, and capture economic benefits.”
Some proposed protections include:
- Data centers would be required to maintain a 250-foot setback between facilities and any residential districts.
- A 50-foot landscape buffer and screening fence would be required along any property line adjacent to residential uses.
- Standby generators could not be located within 300 feet of residential areas and would need to be fully screened.
- For lighting, fixtures within 150 feet of a residential use would be required to produce zero foot-candles on the sides adjacent to homes, with a maximum fixture height of 20 feet.
- Rooftop cooling equipment would need to be placed behind acoustic barriers that are 1.5 times the height of the equipment.
- A continuous row of evergreen trees along the site perimeter would be required where the property adjoins residential.
Fort Worth leaders are looking to “continue the conversation and gather additional community input” during an informational open house later this month, where attendees will be able to ask questions and “speak directly with subject-matter experts and staff.”
The open house will take place from 5-7 p.m. on June 30 at City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail.
The Fort Worth City Council was scheduled to vote on Black Mountain’s 187-acre site plan on June 23, but have pushed it back until Aug. 25. They are also expected to vote on policy changes over how the city will regulate data centers on Aug. 11.
The council has faced backlash for their handling of data centers, with members being accused of taking thousands of dollars in campaign donations from Black Mountain, influencing their decision to approve new zoning measures for the company.
Mayor Mattie Parker’s husband is also listed as having been a lobbyist for a data center industry trade group since January, according to recent reports from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Parker and her husband have denied any conflicts of interest.
Community members can share their thoughts here on the proposed regulations ahead of the June 30 meeting.
