Hood County rejects second data center moratorium, seeks attorney general's opinion on authority

The Hood County commissioners voted down a proposed moratorium on large-scale data center development for the second time. Instead, they will seek an opinion from the Texas Attorney General on whether the county has the authority to enact such a moratorium under a unique state law. Residents have voiced concerns about the water usage, noise, and environmental impact of proposed data centers and power generation projects in the area. Commissioners said their legal counsel advised them a moratorium may not be permitted under state law, and even if passed, would likely be challenged in court. Some residents expressed disappointment and said they will remember the commissioners' decisions at election time.