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Mason County commissioners unanimously adopt resolution opposing proposed 765‑kV transmission line
Summary
On Sept. 8, 2025, the Mason County Commissioners Court voted 5–0 to adopt a resolution opposing construction of the Bell County East–Big Hill 765 kV transmission line through Mason County, citing potential harm to the San Saba River watershed, endangered species and local agriculture and asking state agencies to oppose any routing through the county.
On Sept. 8, 2025, the Mason County Commissioners Court voted 5–0 to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed Bell County East–Big Hill 765‑kilovolt transmission line through Mason County. The resolution cites risks to the San Saba River watershed, threats to several freshwater mussel species and the golden‑cheeked warbler’s nesting habitat, and potential negative impacts on farming, ranching, hunting and agritourism.
The resolution, adopted by the court, states that Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Service Corporation had not publicized an environmental impact study evaluating effects near the project, and that the transmission line would require a permanent easement of approximately 200 feet in width across affected properties. It specifically names threatened or endangered freshwater mussels and notes the potential for increased erosion and flash flooding if vegetation is removed for construction.
The document also cites state and federal data about fires caused by power lines, and states the project does not provide additional electric service to Mason County. The resolution requests that ONCOR and LCRA TSC avoid routing through the San Saba River watershed and asks the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Public Utility Commission to oppose and reject any submitted routing application for the project.
The resolution text reads in part: "Mason County Commissioner's Court is opposed to the construction and maintenance of the Transmission Line through Mason County; and is opposed to any construction and maintenance of the Transmission Line across, alongside or through the watershed of the San Saba River." The resolution was recorded as "PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED, by a vote of 5 FOR and 0 AGAINST." The document is attested to by Chelsa Armendariz as Mason County Clerk and signed by Hon. Sheree Hardin, Mason County Judge.
The resolution is a formal, nonbinding expression of the court's position addressed to project developers and state agencies. The record in the meeting packet does not include any response from ONCOR or LCRA TSC. The resolution asks state agencies to oppose any routing through the county; next steps would depend on filings by the developer and any future state-level proceedings.
