Texas Governor Abbott and Meta Agree to New Data Center Guidelines
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Meta has agreed to adhere to new state data center guidelines focusing on water reuse, efficient cooling, and limiting neighborhood impact. While these guidelines don't specifically mention the El Paso Meta data center, El Paso city officials are developing similar protections for future projects, also impacting water and electricity usage.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Meta has agreed to new statewide data center guidelines. These new rules mandate water reuse, the implementation of water-efficient cooling systems, and measures to limit adverse impacts on neighboring communities.
Although the guidelines do not specifically name El Paso or the Meta data center under construction in northeast El Paso, a city spokesperson confirmed that these state-level protections align with new data center regulations the city has been developing for future projects. These local protections are also expected to cover water and electricity concerns, indicating a broader move towards stricter environmental and resource management for data centers in the region.
In related local news, the owner of Dirty Laundry bar announced its permanent closure following a restraining order by the county attorney, citing numerous emergency calls and a connection to a hit-and-run incident. Additionally, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) board is set to discuss a proposed $400 million bond election for school infrastructure improvements.