Residents voice opposition to Brownsville data centers during public hearing
Brownsville residents spoke against data center development at the second of three public hearings on a proposed 90-day moratorium. Speakers raised concerns about water consumption and pollution, while city commissioners consider pausing data center applications to assess potential impacts.
Residents addressed the Brownsville City Commission during a public hearing Tuesday, opposing data center development and supporting a proposed 90-day moratorium. Speakers cited potential water demands and pollution, while city officials said the pause would give them time to evaluate the effects of any proposed facility within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The moratorium process began after an application was filed for a former Walmart site. Commissioners also revived an environmental review board, although some residents objected to the appointment of SpaceX employee Carolyn Wood, saying her employment created a potential conflict of interest. A final public hearing and further readings of the proposed ordinance were scheduled before the commission makes a final decision.