Hood County court acknowledges Yellow Viking tax‑abatement inactive after resident objections
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Summary
After multiple residents raised environmental, noise and safety concerns about planned large solar and battery projects, Hood County Commissioners Court formally acknowledged that a June 8, 2021 tax‑abatement agreement with Yellow Viking Development 1 LLC is no longer active because obligations were not met.
Hood County Commissioners Court on Feb. 25 formally acknowledged that the June 8, 2021 tax‑abatement agreement with Yellow Viking Development 1 LLC is no longer active, a decision that followed extended public comment from residents of Pecan Plantation and other nearby areas.
Residents said promises of local economic benefit, job creation and mitigation of environmental impacts were unmet. Jessica Hall urged the commission to rescind the abatement and criticized the companion battery energy storage system (BES), saying it posed fire and health risks. Cynthia Heisbeek (who identified herself as a Pecan Plantation resident) said the project record shows transfers of ownership to Osaka Gas USA and a lack of progress on construction milestones; she and other speakers urged the court not to offer further tax abatements to projects that deliver few local jobs.
Commissioner Samuelson moved to acknowledge that the 2021 agreement is not active because the developer did not meet its obligations. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously 5'0. Several speakers, including John Highsmith and Robert Haven, urged the court to coordinate regionally with neighboring counties on policy toward utility‑scale solar, data centers and related projects.
County staff noted that the abatement's certificate of completion had not been filed and that property records showed no active construction. Speakers provided local concerns including potential runoff to the Brazos River, impacts on wildlife (bald eagles and nesting birds were mentioned), increased noise from battery storage, and long‑term changes to rural character.
What happens next: The court's acknowledgement does not by itself prohibit future projects; residents asked the court to require environmental studies, host town halls before major energy projects proceed, and be selective about abatements going forward.
Representative quote: "Rescind the tax abatement you granted for this utility scale solar facility and BES... The battery energy storage system poses a grave risk to our residents," Jessica Hall said during public comment.
Ending: The court recorded the agreement as inactive and closed the agenda item after the unanimous vote; residents asked for continued oversight and future public workshops on large energy and data projects.
