El Paso City Council approves data center policy framework
El Paso City Council approved a new policy framework that provides greater oversight for future hyperscale data centers. This framework requires special permits and environmental studies for larger projects, aiming to protect natural resources and nearby neighborhoods. While community advocates are happy that feedback was considered, they expressed disappointment that the policy did not go further.
El Paso City Council has approved a new policy framework aimed at increasing oversight and adding protections for future hyperscale data center projects in the city. The decision follows six months of public hearings and community feedback, particularly concerning the $10 billion Meta data center currently under construction in northeast El Paso.
The approved framework mandates that data center projects exceeding 50,000 square feet or requiring more than 5 megawatts of peak electrical demand will necessitate a special permit and approval from both the City Plan Commission and the City Council. It also requires comprehensive environmental studies covering water use, energy demand, noise, and wastewater. Furthermore, the policy recommends against local tax incentives for these projects and calls for greater transparency.
The primary goal is to empower city leaders with more oversight while safeguarding natural resources, the electric grid, and residential areas. Community advocate Veronica Carbajal, while pleased that staff considered public comments, expressed disappointment that renewable energy was not made mandatory. Another resident, Ivan Nino, vocalized a general opposition to data centers, acknowledging the city's limited authority over private property development.