EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — On Monday, El Paso County took the first steps to address the potential impacts of data centers on the community.
County Commissioners’ court unanimously agreed on the importance of having transparent discussions about the long-term effects of data centers, such as the Meta data center being built off US 54 and Stan Roberts Sr. Avenue in Northeast El Paso.
Area where Meta data center will be built.
This comes after County Commissioner Jackie Arroyo Butler called for a slowdown and the establishment of ground rules before more projects move in.
“We want the community to be involved and to get as much community input about what that best practices guide should look like early on in the process,” Butler said.
The commissioner’s court has directed staff to develop a best practices guide, focusing on community engagement and assessing impacts on resources like water and electricity.
Butler noted the urgency of these discussions, stating, “I personally feel a sense of urgency in making sure that we’re having robust and comprehensive conversations with our community.”
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El Paso County Commissioner Jackie Arroyo Butler during the commissioners court’s Monday meeting. Jan. 5, 2026. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
Butler has engaged in national discussions through the National Association of Counties, learning from other regions’ experiences with data centers.
“Some communities have seen a net benefit… it’s increased [their] property tax revenues,” Butler said, adding, “I’ve heard from other counties that say we can’t afford the electric rates that are being brought on by these data centers.”
Butler highlighted the need to understand economic incentive agreements and their actual benefits to the community.
“If the major proponent and reason why data centers are a positive thing is economic development and increasing revenues for local governments and property taxes, how are we measuring that?” Butler asked.
The county plans to involve the community in future meetings to ensure that any development aligns with El Paso’s unique needs and priorities.
“We hear the concerns of the citizens and our constituents and we’re listening,” Butler said, emphasizing the goal of informed decision-making.
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Michael Clark is a concerned citizen who attended Monday’s commissioner meeting about the potential impacts.
Clark highlighted issues with utilities, noting that he’s afraid that utility rates and infrastructure costs used by these centers could be passed on to taxpayers.
Citizen Michael Clark attended the commissioner’s court on Monday to voice his concerns. Jan. 5, 2026. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
“Someone wants to come out to develop, they should have to pay for some of that infrastructure,” Clark said.
Clark also raised concerns about water usage, particularly by data centers, and emphasized the need for collaboration between county commissioners and developers.
“As long as everyone’s working together, I see no problem with it, but if we’re not and we’re working isolated, that becomes an issue,” Clark said.
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