City seeks public input for data center policy as Meta project moves forward

The City of El Paso has initiated a series of community meetings to solicit public input on the future regulation of data center development. This effort is prompted by the advancement of a significant Meta data center project in the region, a planned billion-dollar facility expected to become operational by 2028. The nearly 1.2 million square foot campus is anticipated to bring investment and jobs to the Borderland area. KTSM 9 News reporter Diana Castillo highlighted that data centers have been a point of contention nationwide, and now similar controversies are emerging in El Paso. City officials emphasize the necessity of these meetings, particularly as many residents' primary concern revolves around the potential strain on regional resources, specifically water and electricity demand. The open-house style meetings allow residents to review information, ask questions, and engage directly with city staff. Officials are working to develop a comprehensive data center policy framework to guide projects like Meta's. Community members have already voiced concerns at council meetings, prompting the city to develop a formal policy. This framework will also involve collaboration with partners from the county and surrounding communities. Input gathered from these ongoing meetings, scheduled through April 8th at various city locations, will be instrumental in shaping the final policy before it is presented to the City Council for approval.