Hood County fights to block data centers as residents sue over secret rezoning

Residents of Hood County, Texas, are taking legal action to prevent the development of "Project Patriot," a proposed 2,100-acre data center project on the former Knox Ranch near Granbury. The lawsuit alleges that city officials engaged in secret conversations regarding rezoning and annexation. Hood County Judge-elect Mark Lowry, who campaigned on a platform against the county becoming a "data center capital," is a vocal opponent of the project. He cites concerns over noise, light, and industrial waste. Lowry plans to push for a new moratorium vote in Hood County, despite State Senator Paul Betancourt's warning that counties may lack the broad constitutional authority for such a ban. The judge-elect intends to use the moratorium period to allow the county to develop a strategy for managing future growth and protecting the community. Neighboring Hill County recently approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. Lowry is also leading a town hall meeting in Granbury to gather public input.