A new data center wants to set up shop in El Paso, but they’re planning to run on natural gas, which has locals worried about pollution and grid stability. It’s a classic tug-of-war between chasing tech-sector jobs and keeping our air clean and the lights on.
At a glance
Declining — being discussed less frequently. 0 mentions in the last 30 days, 1 the 60 before.
This could bring in new tax revenue and tech jobs, but it might also hike up utility bills if the grid needs expensive upgrades to handle the extra load.
Tech companies and local government officials looking to boost the city's profile as a modern business hub.
Local residents who are worried about breathing dirtier air and dealing with potential power outages.
City, others oppose El Paso Electric power plant for Meta data center El Paso Times
Meta to deploy 366MW of modular gas units to power 1GW data center in El Paso, Texas Data Center Dynamics
Plan to run El Paso data center on natural gas sparks concern The Texas Tribune
Meta Wants Data Center in Sunny El Paso to Rely on Natural Gas Inside Climate News
Follow this issue in El Paso County
Get an alert when it comes back up at City Hall — one plain-English email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.