Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Hood County commissioners back state bills, adopt resolution opposing local battery storage projects after lengthy public comment
Loading...
Summary
The Hood County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a resolution March 11 supporting state bills that would regulate battery energy storage systems and restrict tax abatements for renewable facilities, after hours of testimony from Pecan Plantation residents who said nearby solar and battery projects threaten safety, property values and wildlife.
Hood County's commissioners voted unanimously March 11 to adopt a resolution backing state legislation they say would address safety and transparency concerns tied to large-scale battery energy storage systems and renewable energy projects.
Commissioner Samuelson introduced the resolution, which cites risks the court described as thermal runaway, toxic-gas release and uncertain environmental impacts from battery energy storage systems (BESS) when paired with solar farms, cryptocurrency operations and data centers. The resolution asks the state Legislature to adopt statewide design guidelines, development regulations and placement restrictions and specifically urges support for House Bill 1378 and House Bill 1343.
Why it matters: Residents from Pecan Plantation and adjacent precincts told commissioners the proposed Rain Lily and other nearby solar and battery projects would sit extremely close to homes, the Brazos River and wildlife habitat. Several speakers described recent high-profile incidents at large BESS sites, potential fire response limitations in rural areas, and long-term environmental consequences they say have not been fully studied.
Multiple residents described safety and property concerns. Carla Benson of Pecan Plantation said a proposed Rain Lily facility would be directly across from a community clubhouse and argued operational projects offer few local jobs while posing hazards to nearby homes. Cindy Highsmith recounted the January 2025 Moss Landing battery fire in California and raised concerns about firefighting foam and contaminants; Didi Urbano described runoff and contamination risks to the Brazos River and urged county support for the bills. Others recounted fears about long-term health effects and impacts to local wildlife.
County officials and staff drew attention to timing: the Legislature's bill-filing deadlines are imminent, and several county commissioners said the resolution was intended to ensure local concerns are heard at the state level. Commissioner Samuelson said the county would submit the adopted resolution to the offices of state representatives and senators noted in the text.
The vote: The commissioners' vote to adopt the resolution in support of HB1378 and HB1343 was unanimous (5–0). Commissioners later also adopted companion resolutions supporting Senator Birdwell's bills (SB1754 and SB878) addressing property-tax abatements and transparency for renewable projects, also by unanimous vote.
What comes next: The resolutions will be transmitted to the listed state lawmakers and are intended to urge legislative action on siting, oversight and financial-disclosure provisions for renewable and battery projects. The county did not take permit-level or zoning action at the meeting; residents were advised any local land-use reviews remain subject to the county's ordinances and planning processes.
Quotes: "We urge you to adopt HB1378 and HB1343," said Didi Urbano, a Pecan Plantation resident, "Please consider legislation that directly regulates such developments." Commissioner Samuelson said the court concurs with the need for region-wide and state-wide legislation on safety and siting.
The court adjourned the discussion after adopting the resolutions; the county did not vote on any moratoria or local permit changes during the meeting.
