Meta data center roundtable draws supporters, residents with concerns in Northeast El Paso
A community roundtable in Northeast El Paso discussed Meta's planned $10 billion data center, with supporters highlighting economic growth and residents raising concerns about water use, power demand, and community engagement. The discussion comes as a recall petition was filed against City Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo for her vote to maintain the data center's incentive agreement.
A community roundtable was held in Northeast El Paso, Texas, to discuss Meta's planned $10 billion data center project, bringing together Meta representatives, city leaders, utility officials, and local residents. City Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo organized the event to address numerous community concerns.
Supporters, including Eddie Trivizo of IBEW Local 960, highlighted the economic benefits, such as increased union membership and job creation. However, residents and community advocates, like neighborhood association leader Cynthia Crouse, voiced significant concerns regarding the data center's projected water and power consumption, air quality, noise, lighting, and truck traffic, with many feeling excluded from the initial planning process.
Meta representatives affirmed their commitment to being a good community partner, emphasizing compliance with regulations and a pledge to restore 200% of their water usage through local watershed projects. El Paso Water CEO John Balliew addressed water supply safeguards during droughts, while El Paso Electric detailed that some power demand would come from existing resources, with Meta covering associated infrastructure costs.
The roundtable occurred shortly after an intent for a recall petition was filed against City Rep. Boyar Trejo. Organizers initiated the petition due to her vote against ending the incentive agreement with Meta, a decision Boyar Trejo defended as financially responsible to avoid significant costs to the city.