Hood County moratorium on AI, crypto facilities fails in 3–2 vote, according to reports
A proposed moratorium on new AI‑ and cryptocurrency‑related facilities in Hood County failed on a 3‑2 vote on Tuesday, according to multiple reports and the watchdog group Public Citizen.
Before taking that vote, commissioners heard from residents worried about noise, water, and power use, as well as the proximity of a planned data center to homes.
Last month, commissioners approved a conditional plan for a roughly 2,100‑acre data center in the county, a project many residents strongly oppose. The developer, Sailfish, was given 45 days to provide more details on water use, drainage, wastewater management, power, and other impacts.
"We have to stop this," said Joanne Carcamo, a Hood County resident. "We don't live out here to live near anything industrial, and I knew it was going to affect the health of my kids. I am just beside myself."
Environmental impacts top of mind
Residents also raised concerns about environmental impacts, including air, noise and light pollution. Many are still adjusting to a nearby bitcoin mining operation in Granbury, where neighbors have reported a constant hum that affects people, pets and wildlife.
"The bitcoin is particularly troublesome because of the noise that it generates," said Brian Crawford, a Hood County resident.
Commissioners consider new conditions
Commissioners on Tuesday are considering adding further conditions to the Comanche Circle project, which could affect how - or if - it moves forward. They also discussed a proposed moratorium to temporarily halt large‑scale data center development, allowing the county to study impacts first.
"I hope that Hood County takes a stand and they do their job, which is to protect the health and resources of our community," Carcamo said.
Moratorium questions remain
It remains unclear whether the proposed moratorium would affect any ongoing project such as Comanche Circle, but community members are pushing for that, too.
CBS News Texas reached out to Sailfish on Tuesday. The company declined to comment.
