On Feb. 12 at a community meeting, El Paso residents voiced concerns over water usage and rising electricity costs regarding the proposed data centers in El Paso.
The Amanecer People’s Project hosted a meeting aimed at informing the public about how large-scale data centers operate and their potential long-term impact on a desert community already facing water scarcity and infrastructure strain. As tech companies expand operations nationwide, El Paso has become part of that conversation, raising questions about sustainability, affordability and transparency.
Data centers are large warehouse-style facilities filled with rows of high-powered computers that store and process digital information 24 hours a day and require substantial amounts of electricity and water, primarily for cooling systems.
According to a report by El Paso Matters, the proposed Meta data center in Northeast El Paso could use up to 750,000 gallons of potable water per day, with permits allowing usage to increase to as much as 1.5 million gallons daily if fully built out. In a region where water conservation is a constant concern, that figure has drawn scrutiny from many residents.
Matthew Rodriguez, an organizer with Amanecer People’s Project, said water use is the issue that resonates most strongly with community members.
“Number one is the water use… it’s not comparable to any other industry,” Matthew Rodriguez said. “And when people hear about the power plants, that’s really shocking.”
Matthew Rodriguez described data centers as massive facilities operating nonstop.
“It’s rows and rows and rows of computers… 24/7, very complex computing. That’s why it requires so much energy,” Matthew Rodriguez said.
Energy costs are another point of concern. A Bloomberg analysis found that in areas near major U.S. data center developments, wholesale electricity prices have risen as much as 267% over the past five years. While electricity markets vary by region, residents worry that increased demand could eventually translate into higher utility bills locally.
For Diana Rodriguez, the issue is personal.
“We’re already a water-scarce community, and it’s gonna impact our accessibility to water,” Diana Rodriguez. “I don’t know that the desert Southwest is gonna be a place where I want my kids to grow up.”
Others like Abby Minor, shared concerns about long-term sustainability and public health.
“I’m a parent. I want my child and the future of all El Pasoans to be safe and healthy, and bright,” Minor said. “I’m concerned that this kind of development does not support the community.”
Beyond environmental impacts, some residents questioned whether tax incentives offered to large technology companies could shift infrastructure costs onto taxpayers. Matthew Rodriguez said when companies receive significant tax breaks, residents may ultimately shoulder the financial burden for maintaining roads, utilities and public services.
According to Matthew Rodriguez and a report from the Texas Tribune, supporters of data center development often point to economic growth, job creation and positioning El Paso at the forefront of technological advancement. However, at the meeting, the focus remained on transparency and long-term planning.
Organizers said their goal is to provide sourced information so residents can make informed decisions and engage with elected officials as proposals move forward.
As discussions continue, residents say they want clearer answers about how data centers would affect water resources, electricity costs and the city’s future growth. With additional meetings planned and development proposals still unfolding, the debate over balancing technological expansion with environmental sustainability is likely to continue.
Fred Kepfield is a Contributor Writer for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]
