Data Center fight in Granbury, TX has reached city hall — and the courts
Residents in Granbury, Texas are actively opposing a proposed data center and power plant project by Bilateral Energy, sparking a dispute that has reached city hall and the courts. Concerns include a lack of transparency from city officials regarding the land annexation and the project's development. Citizens have submitted a petition, while the city claims no development application has been received and has passed some initial data center regulations.
A significant dispute has emerged in Granbury, Texas, concerning a proposed data center and power plant on 2,000 acres recently annexed by the city. Residents believe the development is being spearheaded by a company called Bilateral Energy, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Organizers claim that 800 residents have signed a petition demanding a vote of no confidence in the Granbury city manager and city attorney, citing a breach of public trust. They presented evidence, including a city letter of support and emails obtained through public records, suggesting city officials were aware of developer interest months before public acknowledgment. A city spokesperson, however, stated that the council is unlikely to consider a vote of no confidence, and no development application has been received for the land. The spokesperson also clarified that support letters and code names are normal parts of economic development and not evidence of a secret deal.
The city highlighted that it has passed new rules regarding data centers, addressing concerns about water usage, noise, and light pollution. Despite these regulations, residents behind the petition argue that the rules are insufficient and that the core issue remains a lack of trust in city officials. The conflict has reached both city hall and the courts.