This is the Know Leon County Weekly Wrap-Up, a regular update to share what happened this week and what’s coming next regarding the proposed data center and battery storage projects in Leon County.

Community Organizing Updates

This week, the team that runs the Citizens Against Marquez Data and Storage Center Facebook group met to prepare for two upcoming public events:

  • The Commissioners Court meeting on Monday, January 12
  • The Town Hall meeting in Jewett on Tuesday, January 13

During that meeting, we discussed who would be speaking and which topics would be covered. We also reviewed the informational handbooks that will be handed out at the town hall.

If you are unable to attend the town hall but have questions you would like asked, please email them to knowleoncounty@gmail.com. Several community members have asked about a livestream option, and we are currently working to see if that can be made available.

Agency and Project Updates

This week, the County Judge forwarded an email he received from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD confirmed they have received a request from Energy Renewal Partners to review the Kahla Project.

We are glad to see that review process underway. There are many native species in the project area, and it is important that potential environmental impacts are fully considered.

The Judge also shared an email he received from Belltown Power. In that message, Belltown acknowledged the project but stated they are still in an evaluation and study phase. They declined to attend meetings at this time, noting that they want to verify specific project details before engaging publicly.

Our team is also discussing potential legal paths forward. Other counties in Texas have used the courts to slow or stop similar projects, and we are evaluating how those approaches may apply here.

We are currently looking for individuals from those counties who may be willing to share insight and guidance based on their experiences.

Watch Episode 2

Prefer to watch on YouTube?

You can also view the episode directly on YouTube here:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGXWTj1YgXk

Upcoming Meetings

Commissioners Court

  • Monday, January 12 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Annex II Building, 3rd Floor
    (The building where property taxes are paid and vehicle registrations are handled)

Town Hall Meeting

  • Tuesday, January 13
  • Jewett Civic Center
    (Located by the railroad tracks — the same building as the library and polling location)

We will continue sharing verified updates as they become available. Thank you to everyone who is staying engaged and informed.