Texas residents react to controversial data center vote
El Paso City Council voted 5-3 to uphold a controversial $550 million tax incentive agreement with Meta for a large data center, despite significant public opposition. Residents expressed concerns about the environmental impact and resource strain, while supporters cited job creation and warned of taxpayer risk if the deal were canceled.
The El Paso City Council recently voted 5-3 to uphold a controversial tax incentive agreement with Meta for a new, massive data center, despite significant public outcry. The deal, initially approved in 2023, grants Meta an estimated $550 million in tax incentives over 10 years, in exchange for maintaining 50 jobs and an $800 million investment. This facility is projected to become one of Texas's largest data center campuses.
The council's decision followed nearly 200 public comments, primarily advocating for the cancellation of the agreement. Community members voiced concerns about the hyperscale data center's potential impact on the city's resources and environment. In contrast, proponents highlighted the project's job creation potential.
El Paso Mayor Reynard Johnson stated that legal experts advised the council on the difficulty of voiding a binding agreement, adding that the city would still hold Meta accountable. The Mayor and council members also cautioned that canceling the deal could pose financial risks to taxpayers.