El Paso residents raise water, energy concerns over proposed data centers

On February 12, El Paso residents gathered at a community meeting hosted by the Amanecer People's Project to voice significant concerns regarding proposed data centers in the area. Key issues raised included the substantial water usage required by these facilities and their potential to drive up electricity costs in a desert community already facing water scarcity. A report from El Paso Matters highlighted that a proposed Meta data center in Northeast El Paso could consume up to 750,000 gallons of potable water daily, with permits allowing for up to 1.5 million gallons if fully built out, a figure that has drawn considerable scrutiny. Matthew Rodriguez, an organizer with Amanecer People's Project, emphasized water usage as the primary concern, noting its unparalleled demand compared to other industries. Residents also expressed anxieties about rising energy costs, citing a Bloomberg analysis indicating wholesale electricity price hikes of up to 267% near major U.S. data center developments. Beyond environmental impacts, some residents questioned tax incentives offered to tech companies, fearing that infrastructure costs might ultimately burden taxpayers. While proponents of data center development highlight economic growth and job creation, the meeting's focus remained on transparency and long-term planning. Organizers aim to provide residents with informed decisions to engage with elected officials as proposals advance, ensuring the debate over technological expansion versus environmental sustainability continues.