Data center fights heat up in Hood County and Denton over permits
Hood County commissioners considered permits for three Sailfish Investors data centers, drawing strong opposition from residents because of the proposed sites near the Paluxy River and Dinosaur Valley State Park. In Denton, officials are reviewing a proposed data center moratorium, with public hearings planned and a council vote scheduled for Dec. 1.
Hood County Commissioners Court considered permits for three data center facilities proposed by Sailfish Investors, including two sites along FM 51 and another on roughly 2,000 acres near the Paluxy River and Dinosaur Valley State Park. Residents spoke against the projects, while Sailfish founder Ryan Hughes said the company was offering a settlement to avoid unnecessary litigation and rejected claims that it was bullying the county.
In Denton, city officials held a work session on a proposed moratorium intended to prevent the city from committing future capacity to data centers without further review. A public hearing and second hearing are planned before the Denton City Council considers the ordinance on Dec. 1, when approval would require a supermajority vote.