Meta Platforms reps meet with El Paso data center critics, city leaders in roundtable
A roundtable discussion was held in El Paso, Texas, involving city officials, Meta Platforms Inc. representatives, and community critics regarding Meta's incoming data center. Residents raised concerns about noise pollution, health impacts, and transparency, while discussions also covered the data center's water and electricity demands and its potential conflict with the city's Climate Action Plan. City leaders and Meta acknowledged ongoing questions and committed to further community engagement.
A roundtable discussion moderated by El Paso Matters reporter Diego Mendoza-Moyers brought together El Paso city officials, Meta Platforms Inc. executives, and critics of Meta's controversial Northeast data center. Organized by District 4 City Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo, the event at City Hall aimed to expand dialogue and enhance community understanding of the project, which Mayor Renard Johnson described as one of the most discussed and contentious local issues.
Residents, including neighborhood association leader Cynthia Crouse and community organizer Veronica Carbajal, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over noise pollution, potential long-term health impacts, and a lack of transparency. They demanded answers on health studies and acoustic barriers. Attendees also included El Paso Electric CEO Kelly Tomblin, El Paso Water CEO John Balliew, Deputy City Manager Robert Cortinas, Meta executives Ana Martinez and Darija Cosic, and City Attorney Karla Nieman.
Key discussion points included the data center's water and electricity consumption. El Paso Water CEO John Balliew stated that Meta's projected average use of 400,000-500,000 gallons per day would increase overall water demand by less than 1%, comparable to a new subdivision. Meta Public Policy Manager Darija Cosic highlighted the company's commitment to replenish twice as much water as it uses through conservation projects and providing clean water to underserved communities. On the energy front, the data center's need for 1 gigawatt of electricity, largely from natural gas generators at the McCloud facility, raised concerns about air pollution and its impact on the city's recently adopted Climate Action Plan, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 71% by 2050.
Despite the intense discussion, many questions remained unanswered, prompting Boyar Trejo and Mayor Johnson to promise more community engagements with Meta. Boyar Trejo is also proposing a community benefit agreement, seeking additional investments from Meta in areas like water infrastructure, air pollution controls, and utility bill assistance. This follows a contentious 5-3 City Council vote in June against terminating the existing tax break agreement with Meta, with officials citing concerns over potential legal damages.