Neighbors push back over proposed data center at Fort Bliss

Neighbors in El Paso are actively pushing back against a proposed 1400-acre data center slated for construction at Fort Bliss. The U.S. Army recently announced a conditional agreement with an unnamed company to lead this extensive project on base property, highlighting its potential to offer a competitive advantage and enhance national security. However, residents living near Fort Bliss have voiced significant concerns regarding the data center's potential environmental and economic impacts. They fear adverse effects on water availability, air quality, and an increase in electricity costs across the city. One resident questioned the power demands, stating, "They need to consider how they're going to power this data center. I already live next to a power plant. Does that mean they're going to build another power plant within a 1 mile radius?" Further emphasizing the environmental impact, the resident added, "This is a call to the federal leadership just to consider how you're bombarding this area, a desert area, with such a heavy requirement of water usage. It does not make sense." Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who represents El Paso, revealed that the proposal originated from the White House and proceeded without adequate community input. Despite her request for the Army to delay its decision to allow for public consultation, officials moved forward with the conditional agreement.