Meta data center roundtable draws supporters, residents with concerns in Northeast El Paso

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A community roundtable on Meta’s planned $10 billion data center in Northeast El Paso drew both supporters touting jobs and economic growth and nearby residents pressing for clearer answers about water use, power demand and other potential impacts.

The discussion took place Thursday and was organized by City Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo. Meta representatives, city leaders, utilities, and community members attended.

Boyar Trejo said the goal was to bring community concerns directly to the table. “The idea for this round table is to have a discussion on the many concerns of our community regarding the meta center coming up in Northeast and you know having a a view or a perspective at the table,” Boyar Trejo said.

Jordan Salas reports on Meta data center roundtable draws supporters, residents with concerns in Northeast El Paso (Credit:KFOX14)

Supporters pointed to what they described as an economic boost already tied to the project. Eddie Trivizo of IBEW Local 960 said the work has increased union membership and created jobs. “This has brought like an economic boost to us. You know, we’ve doubled in membership. A lot of middle class paying jobs. So there is good to come with this,” Trivizo said.

But residents and community advocates raised concerns about water use, power demand, air quality, noise, lighting and truck traffic. Cynthia Crouse, a neighborhood association leader, said many residents felt left out of the process.

“I was not told by anybody at any time when I bought my home that a data center was going to be built nearby. So today I’m at the table because I’m speaking on behalf of the residents within my community. We have a lot of concerns,” Crouse said.

Meta representatives said the company wants to be a good community partner and will follow federal, state and local regulations. Meta also pointed to a commitment to restore 200% of the water it uses through local watershed projects, with progress reported annually and verified by a third party.

El Paso Water CEO John Balliew was asked what safeguards are in place for Meta’s projected water use, described as about 400,000 to 500,000 gallons a day on average, with a maximum limit of 2.5 million gallons a day at full buildout. Balliew said water planning must account for drought conditions.

“Whether this was a residential neighborhood or data center or whatever, we still have to have the water supply in the case of drought. The pure water center that is our our drought solution,” Balliew said.

El Paso Electric said some of Meta’s power demand will come from existing resources, while other parts are still being planned. The company also said Meta is expected to pay for the energy and infrastructure tied to its project.

The roundtable took place one day after an intent for a recall petition was filed against Boyar Trejo. Organizers said her vote against ending an incentive agreement with Meta was the reason. City leaders have said ending the agreement without legal cause could cost the city millions of dollars.

In a statement, Boyar Trejo said, “Breaking the agreement at any cost was not a risk I was willing to take on behalf of our residents, especially families on fixed or limited incomes. My vote was not a vote against accountability. In fact, I stated publicly that Meta should be held accountable, but we must do so legally, responsibly, and collaboratively.”

Under the city charter, organizers of the petition must collect signatures from at least 20% of voters who voted in the election when Boyar Trejo was elected. If that happens and she does not resign, a recall election can then be held.

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