Residents protest Meta AI data center, voice neighborhood concerns
Residents in Northeast El Paso, Texas, protested Meta's $10 billion hyperscale AI data center, citing significant concerns over water usage, noise, dust, and light pollution. Organized by local groups, the protest highlighted community dissatisfaction with the project's environmental and social impacts, despite promises of job creation. Residents are urging city leaders to address their unaddressed concerns as construction continues.
Community members in Northeast El Paso, Texas, gathered on Saturday to protest Meta's hyperscale AI data center, voicing concerns about its environmental impact and water consumption. Organized by Desert Guardians and Sembrando Esperanza 915, the protest highlighted residents' belief that the project's long-term impacts, including increased water usage and light and noise pollution, outweigh its promised economic benefits.
Meta's data center, an over $10 billion investment, is expected to create 300 permanent jobs and thousands of construction jobs. However, residents living near the construction site report immediate issues like heavy water truck traffic creating dust and bright construction lighting at night, with one homeowner considering relocating due to the disruptions.
A primary concern for protesters is the data center's water demands. El Paso Water projects the facility will use an average of 480,000 gallons daily, potentially reaching 2.5 million gallons on peak hot days. Protesters, including Jacqueline Warren from Sembrando Esperanza and Vianney Alderete Contreras, expressed fears of water scarcity and rising utility bills, an concern echoed by Texas agriculture commissioner candidate Clayton Tucker. Meta has stated it is working with El Paso Water and El Paso Electric to mitigate impacts and has committed to environmental initiatives, including restoring more water than consumed. Organizers plan to continue community events to pressure city leaders to address their concerns.