City Council's data center discussion
The El Paso City Council is discussing whether to sever an incentives agreement with Meta due to public concerns over water and energy usage for its data center. City officials are warning that terminating the contract could lead to legal action, while Meta has reaffirmed its commitment to the $800 million investment and job creation. A decision from the council is expected today.
Hundreds of people gathered at El Paso City Hall for a City Council meeting to discuss a potential termination of an incentives agreement with Meta. Citizens have been urging the Council to sever the contract, citing significant concerns about the data center's water and energy consumption.
The city's outside counsel warned that ending the agreement could expose El Paso to a legal battle. Meta, in a letter to the city, reiterated its commitment to an $800 million capital investment for its data center campus and the creation of 50 full-time jobs. The company also stated its intention to uphold agreements made with the City of El Paso, El Paso County, El Paso Water, and El Paso Electric, which include investments in local road infrastructure.
Reporters on the scene noted a strong public presence, with many holding signs and watching the proceedings from both inside and outside the chambers. The City Council is expected to make a decision later today.