‘We have to follow the law.’ Hood County OKs plans for Amazon data center
Hood County commissioners voted 3-0 to approve Amazon Web Services' plans for a 21-building data center near Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, despite calls from residents for more review time. The approval came after Amazon met previously established conditions, with a county commissioner stating they must follow existing development regulations. Residents expressed disappointment and continue to fight the project, with a public hearing on a moratorium being discussed.
Hood County commissioners approved plans for a large Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center, known as Project Spectrum, with a 3-0 vote on May 26. The approval allows the development of a 21-building data center near the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. The decision proceeded despite the absence of Commissioners Nannette Samuelson and Dave Eagle, who often oppose such developments, and calls from residents to table the vote for more commissioner presence and public review.
County Judge Ron Massingill, returning from medical leave to ensure a quorum, presided over the meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Kevin Andrews moved to accept Amazon's conditional plan, stating the company met the county's established development requirements, including a drainage plan, traffic assessments, endangered species report, and water use information. Andrews emphasized that the county must adhere to existing laws and regulations, rather than personal preferences regarding development. The vote drew audible "no" and "boo" responses from the audience.
Amazon, represented by attorney Jonathan Vinson of Jackson Walker law firm, asserted its exemption from certain county regulations, arguing that local jurisdictions' powers are limited by Texas state law. Vinson noted that the information Amazon provided was voluntary, offered in an effort to be "good neighbors." A letter sent by Jackson Walker attorney Suzan Kedron to County Attorney Matt Mills on May 21 explicitly stated Hood County must cease and desist attempts to regulate beyond its authority.
Following the approval, Hood County's development commission discussed holding a public hearing on a moratorium for industrial development, despite commissioners having previously rejected a moratorium earlier this year due to perceived lack of authority. Matt Long, Precinct 2 representative on the development commission, voiced strong disappointment in the vote, questioning the legitimacy of the decision with the judge's stated medical leave and vowing to continue fighting the project, calling for divine intervention.