Residents warn commissioners that data centers, mining could strain Paluxy watershed

Several residents used the citizens‑comment portion of the Dec. 19 Hood County Commissioners Court meeting to urge caution about data‑center development and related power and water infrastructure.

Jim Bell told the court the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had a recent meeting in which Constellation Energy sought a permit for another gas power plant, and he linked the need for added generation to a nearby Bitcoin‑mining operation at Wolf Hollow. "The only reason they have the need to do that is because the Bitcoin mining operation down there at Wolf Hollow is continuing to expand," Bell said, alleging some facilities still operate with air‑cooling and that multiple proposed plants could consume water and hurt the Paluxy watershed.

Bell raised concerns that the Paluxy is one of the remaining Texas rivers without an impoundment and warned of ecosystem effects and long‑term water consumption by steam‑based electric generation. He said aerial photos and his sources indicate many units are not liquid‑cooled as claimed.

Matt Long echoed community worries and framed opposition in historical terms, urging use of available legal means. "I believe we do in Hood County. We do have legal means to fight it. I just believe we need the courage to use it," he said.

County staff did not take immediate action at the meeting; commenters requested further public information and review. No formal county policy or permit decision on the data‑center projects was made during the Dec. 19 session.