South Texas city pauses data center plans after public pushback
Brownsville enacted a 90-day moratorium pausing the acceptance, processing and approval of data center applications in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The action followed months of resident opposition after an unidentified company sought permits for a data center at a former Walmart site, though that application was later withdrawn.
The Brownsville City Commission approved a 90-day moratorium on data centers during a special meeting on Nov. 4. The pause took effect Nov. 5 and runs through Feb. 3, 2027, blocking the acceptance, processing and approval of data center applications within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The moratorium followed months of public opposition from Brownsville residents. An unidentified company had filed a permit request in July for a data center at a former Walmart property that had been used as a shelter for migrant children, but later withdrew the application. The city said commissioners are expected to consider a second 90-day moratorium after the initial pause expires.