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Van Zandt commissioners OK resolution to form regional '391' planning commission
Summary
The court approved a resolution authorizing Van Zandt County to join a regional Chapter 391 planning commission to coordinate information-sharing with other counties and municipalities; some commissioners said the body could be used to address renewable energy projects and environmental concerns.
The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved a resolution authorizing the county to participate in a Chapter 391 regional planning commission, a joint body intended to improve regional information-sharing with neighboring municipalities and counties.
A commissioner introduced the resolution saying the regional planning body would allow Van Zandt County and partner jurisdictions to request information from state and federal agencies more efficiently. Several commissioners said the commission would have broad, region-wide purposes, including environmental issues and infrastructure such as water, and that it would not itself make law but could coordinate responses and requests for information.
Why it matters: The commission is structured to give participating jurisdictions combined leverage in dealing with state and federal agencies. Several commissioners framed the initiative as a tool to respond to or scrutinize proposed renewable-energy developments (solar, wind and battery-storage projects) and other land-use or environmental issues that could affect rural residents.
Outcome: The court voted in favor of executing the resolution and order to form the Chapter 391 commission. The vote was taken by voice; specific roll-call counts were not recorded in the transcript.
What it does not do: Commissioners clarified the 391 commission has no authority to enact laws; it is a planning and coordination mechanism. Any formal land-use restrictions or ordinances would remain within the statutory authority of each participating jurisdiction.
Next steps: County staff will prepare the formal resolution and identify partner counties and municipalities for the regional commission. The court did not set boundaries or membership details at this meeting; those will be addressed as other counties and cities indicate interest.
