About

Van Zandt County

Located just 60 miles east of Dallas, Van Zandt County is a scenic region in northeast Texas known for its rolling hills, farmland, and close-knit communities. Whether you're drawn to its deep-rooted agricultural traditions, thriving local markets, or outdoor recreation, Van Zandt County offers a quaint yet vibrant way of life.

What Makes Van Zandt County Special?

First Monday Trade Days

Home to one of the largest and oldest flea markets in the U.S., held in Canton. A must-visit for treasure hunters, collectors, and those looking for unique finds.

Agriculture & Rural Living

A hub for cattle ranching, farming, and sustainable agriculture, Van Zandt County is where tradition meets self-sufficient country living.

Outdoor Recreation

Enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping at the county’s many lakes, parks, and natural reserves. Perfect for those who love the great outdoors.

Small-Town Communities

Discover tight-knit towns full of Texas hospitality, including Canton, Wills Point, Edgewood, Van, and Grand Saline. Each town has its own unique character and charm.

Population: 60,000

Square Miles: 860
Region: East Texas – farmland, open spaces, and charming small towns

A place where small-town charm meets rich history and rural beauty.

Van Zandt County Residents Push Back Against Invasive Green and Renewable Energy Projects

Van Zandt County residents are fed up with large-scale green and renewable energy projects encroaching on their land, threatening their safety, and disrupting their rural way of life. Now, some residents have taken a stand by filing a lawsuit against Taaleri Energia / BT Amador Storage, LLC, challenging yet another reckless energy development in their community.

While solar and wind energy are marketed as sustainable solutions, their implementation in agricultural communities has brought serious consequences—Increased Fire Risks, Loss of Farmland, Soil Degradation & Erosion, Wildlife Disruption, Cyber Security Threats, Declining Property Values, and Possible Environmental Contamination along with Health Risks from Chemical Exposure.

The fire hazards associated with lithium battery storage, wind turbines, and solar pose major safety concerns, especially in a county with very limited firefighting resources. These projects introduce risks that rural fire departments simply cannot handle, putting residents, livestock, and crops in danger. At the same time, valuable farmland is being sacrificed for massive solar and wind installations, displacing ranchers and farmers, altering soil conditions, and leaving long-term environmental damage.

Adding insult to injury, these profit-driven green and renewable energy developments offer little to no long-term benefits for the community. Property values decline, county resources are stretched thin, and landowners fear they will be left with the burden of decommissioning abandoned projects. Meanwhile, wealthy investors and foreign companies reap the profits at the expense of Van Zandt County’s future.

The people of Van Zandt County are angry, frustrated, and ready to fight back against energy companies that see their land as nothing more than a place to exploit. Enough is enough—residents are standing together to protect their homes, their livelihoods, and the future of their county from the reckless spread of industrial green and renewable energy projects.

“We will not allow Van Zandt County to become a testing ground for dangerous industrial experiments.” - Congressman Lance Gooden

What is

Green Energy and Renewable Energy

Wind Energy

Also Referred to as Windmills

Wind energy is power generated by harnessing the natural movement of air. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, which can then be transformed into electricity through a generator.

Solar Energy

Also Referred to as Solar Power

Solar energy is power derived from the sun’s radiation. It is captured using technologies such as solar panels (photovoltaic or PV systems), which convert sunlight into electricity, or solar thermal systems, which use heat from the sun for heating or generating power.

Battery Energy Storage System

Also Referred to as BESS

Battery Energy Storage System is a technology that stores electricity in rechargeable batteries for later use. These systems help manage energy supply by storing excess power when production is high (such as from solar or wind energy) and releasing it when needed. They are used in various applications, including stabilizing the power grid, providing backup power, and supporting renewable energy sources.

BESS Battery Energy Storage Wind Solar G

Upcoming Events and Efforts:
Stay Informed & Engaged

Upcoming events will focus on raising awareness about the impact of renewable and green energy, as well as providing opportunities for residents to engage in county meetings and town halls in Van Zandt County and throughout Texas. These gatherings offer a chance for the community to stay informed, voice their opinions, and participate in discussions that shape the future of Texas.

County

Commissioner Meeting

391 Commission Vote

When: Wednesday, February 12th

Time: 9am

Voices in Action Meeting

Guest Speaker:

Member of the Texas House of Representatives

When: Thursday, February 20th

Time: 6:30pm

Where: Silver Spur Resort

"Less Austin More Texas" Radio" Show

Hosted by: Dale Huls

(Brent Money's Legislative Director)

Listen as Nancy and other discuss strengthening regulations along with checks & balances in the fight against BESS.

Catch the show on Saturday Feb 8th

9am on:

News Talk Radio (KZHN) 1250 AM

The River (KFYN) 104.3 FM

10am on:

Trumpet Radio (KLOW) 98.9 FM

National Security Infrastructure Team

Nancy spoke on February 7th, 2025 at the National Security meeting that included those from the National Legislative Department along with high-ranking Military Officials. She will be continuing attending these meetings —a sign that our concerns are being heard at the highest levels!

Overlooked Critical Matters

National TV Show

Season 1, Episode 1

Season1, Episode 2

Season 1, Episode 3

KMOO - FM Radio

Join in and listen to Nancy speak on key updates on efforts to stop Renewable and Green Energy in VZ County

Van Zandt County Efforts

NFPA 855

Update, February 11th, 2025

Response letter to Taaleri Energia from Van Zandt County Fire Marshal

Update: February 7th, 2025

On February 4th, the county received Taaleri Energia’s response regarding compliance with NFPA 855. Several key issues remain unresolved:

Battery Safety Testing Failures – The initial test failed due to thermal runaway and flammability concerns (off-gas igniting when mixed with oxygen). After design modifications, and a second testing the runaway issue was resolved, but flammability remains a problem.

Water Supply Requirements – Taaleri Energia claims an "Assistant Deputy Fire Chief" stated they do not need to provide their own water supply. However, we do not have an Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, meaning there has been a misunderstanding / miscommunication all the way around somewhere. Adequate onsite water supply remains a non-negotiable safety requirement. The amount of water needed will be determined using NFPA 1142 guidelines, which provide a formula to calculate the required supply for fire protection.

Missing Fire Permit – It has also been discovered that Taaleri Energia has not submitted the required fire permit for this project.

What’s Next?

Cliff (County Commissioner Pct. 2) and our Fire Marshal (not the DA, like the last letter) will formally notify Taaleri that until testing meets safety standards, adequate water supply is provided by them, and the required fire permit (which carries a $15,000 fee) is obtained, the project will not be commissioned.

Taaleri Energia will have 30 calendar days to respond to the letter and address these outstanding requirements.

Full NFPA 855 Details Coming Soon
The full details regarding NFPA 855 and its requirements will be posted online by the county for public access. However, due to necessary steps in coordinating with IT, there may be a slight delay in getting this information up on the county website.

Update: December 20th, 2024

Request letter to Taaleri Energia from VZ County District Attorney

391 Commission

Update: February 12th, 2025

5/5 VZ County Commissioners Voted FOR the 391 Commission
City of Lone Oak voted FOR the 391 Commission as well

Update: January 29th, 2025

Vote for the 391:

Van Zandt County Commissioner Meeting
When: February 12th, 2025 @ 9am

What is the purpose of a 391?

According to §391.001 of the Texas Local Government Code:

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage and permit local governmental units to:

(1) Join and cooperate to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of their residents.

(2) Plan for the future development of communities, areas, and regions so that:

(B) The needs of agriculture, business, and industry are recognized.

(C) It also includes making studies and plans to guide the unified, far-reaching development of a region, promoting economy and efficiency in coordinated development.

Successful Cases:

2009 - Mason County: The 391 Commission was formed to oppose the construction of power lines that would have obstructed the county. The commission successfully halted this project.

2016 - Waller County: The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) proposed the Texas Trans-Corridor, a massive project spanning from Mexico to Canada, which would have consumed a significant portion of Texas land.

The 391 Commission was instrumental in stopping these initiatives!

For more detailed case studies and information, you can visit the American Stewards of Liberty website.

This video below explains how a 391 commission is formed.

Proposed Projects in Van Zandt County

BESS

BT Amador (Under Construction)

Is a 100-megawatt (MW) lithium battery energy storage facility proposed in Van Zandt County, Texas. The project is owned by the Taaleri SolarWind III fund and managed by Taaleri Energia, a Finnish-based developer specializing in wind, solar, and battery energy storage.
The project was proposed with an interconnection request filed on November 22, 2022, under Queue ID 24INR0472. Construction began in December 2024, with operations commencing by December 2025.
Amador Energy Storage Link
Interconnection Location: 6833 Explorer Switching Station 138kV

Whiskey (Active In Queue)

Proposed project with an interconnection request filed on December 6, 2022, and a proposed completion date of March 14, 2026. The project is identified with Queue ID 25INR0253 and is associated with UR-Silo DevCo LLC
Interconnection Location: 6828 Canton Tap 138 kV

Sierra Diablo Energy Storage (Active In Queue)

Proposed with an interconnection request filed on August 5, 2022, under Queue ID 24INR0417. The project aims to establish a lithium battery storage facility with a capacity ranging between 200 to 300 megawatts (MW) and has a proposed completion date of April 2026.
Interconnection Location: Tap 138kv 1698 Sulphur Springs Switch – 3174 Canton Switch

Zorro (Active In Queue)

Proposed project with an interconnection request filed on March 26, 2023, under Queue ID 25INR0384. The project is planned to have a capacity between 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) and is scheduled for completion by December 30, 2025. The interconnecting entity for this project is UR-Silo DevCo LLC.
Interconnection Location:138 kV Ben Wheeler (Bus# 6852)

Benitoite (Active In Queue)

Planned lithium battery storage facility is scheduled for completion in 2027 in Precinct 4. The project is being developed by UR-Silo DevCo LLC and is expected to have a capacity of approximately 153.69 megawatts (MW). The facility is planned to be located in Ben Wheeler, at the site of the existing BT Kellum Solar facility.
Interconnection Location: Tap 138kV 3183 VAN_8 - 3197 TYLERSW_8

Edgewood (Active In Queue)

The Edgewood 1 and 2 projects are two planned lithium battery storage facilities scheduled for completion in Feb 2028. These projects are being developed by Tempus Power Management LLC. Each facility is expected to have a capacity of approximately 100.3 megawatts (MW). Edgewood 1 is listed under Queue ID 27INR0317 and Edgewood 2 is listed under 27INR0413.
Interconnection Location: Tap Edgewood 138kV bus(3181) to CANTNSW_8 (3174)

Goldfinch (Suspended)

Proposed battery energy storage facility proposed under Queue ID 26INR0254 and 26INR0253 in the ERCOT power market. The project, developed by BT DJ4M Solar, LLC, was submitted on October 3, 2023, with a planned capacity of 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) and a proposed completion date of September 22, 2027.
Interconnection Location: Tap Connection Bus 2485 Poetry Switch – 3223 Shamburger Switch

Solar

GP Solar (Active In Queue)

Proposed solar power facility in Van Zandt County, Texas. An interconnection request for this project was filed on September 24, 2020, under Queue ID 23INR0045, with a proposed completion date of June 2027. The project is being developed by HEP Aquamarine Holdings LLC and is planned to interconnect at the 138kV line between the Glen Pine and Explorer substations of Edgewood.
Interconnection Location: Tap 138kV 6829 Glen Pine - 6833 Explorer

Goldfinch Solar (Suspended)

The Goldfinch Solar project is a solar energy facility proposed in Van Zandt County, Texas, under Queue ID 26INR0253 in the ERCOT power market. Developed by BT DJ4M Solar, LLC, the project was submitted on September 21, 2023, with a planned capacity of 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) and a proposed completion date of September 22, 2027.
Interconnection Location: Tap Connection Bus 2485 Poetry Switch – 3223 Shamburger Switch

Kellam Solar (Suspended)

Project is a solar energy facility proposed under Queue ID 20INR0261 in the ERCOT power market. It has a planned capacity of 50 to 75 megawatts (MW)

WIND

Wood Fern Wind (Active In Queue)

Proposed industrial wind energy facility in Van Zandt County, Texas, currently in active development within the ERCOT power market. The project, identified by Queue ID 28INR0274, remains active in the queue and is classified as a generation project utilizing wind energy. It is being developed by Wood Fern Wind LLC and is planned to have a capacity of 197.3 megawatts (MW). The facility is scheduled to become operational by December 2028 and will be located in Precinct 2.
Interconnection Location: TAP 345KV BUS #3105 ELKTON- BUS #2432 TRI- CORNER

WITHDRAWN

Giralda Solar

Was a proposed solar energy facility in Van Zandt County, Texas, under Queue ID 26INR0224 in the ERCOT power market. It had a planned capacity of 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) but was withdrawn on December 19, 2023.

Old Jackson Solar

Was a proposed solar energy facility in Van Zandt County, Texas, under Queue ID 19INR0123 in the ERCOT power market. It had a planned capacity of 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) but was withdrawn on November 5, 2020.