Tom Green County Commissioners Reject Data Center Moratorium
Tom Green County Commissioners voted against implementing a 12-month moratorium on large data centers and energy facilities in Precinct 4. The decision followed a presentation by Beacon Data Centers regarding its proposed Westline Site, also known as the Dove Creek Technology Campus. Commissioners cited legal concerns and the risk of costly litigation as reasons for rejecting the moratorium.
The Tom Green County Commissioners’ Court decided not to pursue a temporary 12-month moratorium on large-scale energy and data center development in Precinct 4. This decision came after Beacon Data Centers presented its plans for the Westline Site, also known as the Dove Creek Technology Campus, located near South FM 2335 and U.S. Highway 67 South.
The proposed moratorium aimed to halt new construction of battery energy storage systems, data centers larger than 1,000 square feet, and power generation facilities exceeding 5 megawatts. Beacon Data Centers co-founder Joseph Shovlin detailed the 1,240-acre project, emphasizing its early planning stages and commitment to sustainability, including a closed-loop cooling system, on-site potable water well, and entirely on-site natural gas generation to avoid affecting local electricity rates.
Commissioners chose to reject the moratorium, expressing concerns about its legal enforceability under Texas law and the potential for expensive litigation, referencing a recent $100 million lawsuit against Hill County over a similar moratorium. While the moratorium was rejected, commissioners indicated they would explore other regulatory options to address potential community impacts. Beacon Data Centers affirmed its openness to continued engagement and additional public meetings as the project progresses towards an estimated construction start in 2027, promising 1,200 construction jobs and over 300 permanent operational roles.