BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville City Commission advanced a proposed 90-day moratorium on applications for high-intensity data processing facilities, commonly known as data centers, following its third and final public hearing.
Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 2026-1826 on first reading. The proposed pause would temporarily stop the acceptance, processing and approval of data center applications within Brownsville and its extraterritorial jurisdiction while the city evaluates potential effects on infrastructure, natural resources, public health, safety and quality of life.
The process began after a data center zoning application involving the former Walmart building was filed July 1. Public hearings were held Sept. 1, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7.
The action does not place a moratorium into effect. The ordinance is scheduled for a second and final reading Nov. 4 and would need a three-fourths City Commission vote. If approved, it would take effect Nov. 5 and run through Feb. 3, 2027.
Source: City of Brownsville
