Glen Rose residents raise concerns about data centers near Dinosaur Valley

Residents, environmental experts, and state officials are convening in Glen Rose, Texas, for a community meeting organized by Protect the Paluxy Valley to address concerns over proposed data center developments in Somervell and Hood counties. The focus is on the potential impacts to Dinosaur Valley State Park, known for its dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River.

Local residents have actively pushed back against these projects, citing worries about increased water consumption, power grid strain, environmental damage, and the limited regulatory authority of counties over developments in unincorporated areas. Brian Crawford, a local landowner involved with Protect the Paluxy Valley, highlighted two specific proposed projects, Comanche Circle and Black Mountain, the latter situated near Dinosaur Valley State Park, raising concerns about sediment runoff affecting the dinosaur tracks.

The meeting will feature Baylor University biologist Dr. Thad Scott and groundwater experts, who will discuss environmental impacts on the river system and water usage regulations. The broader scope of eight data center and power plant projects proposed between Granbury and Glen Rose is also a major concern for residents. In response to these issues, Somervell County commissioners recently passed a resolution requesting that state leaders pause new data center applications to allow for studies on infrastructure, water supplies, and community impacts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also directed state regulators to investigate ways to prevent infrastructure costs from shifting to residential customers and to address electricity and water demands from data center growth.