Meta is constructing a $14 billion data center within El Paso city limits, drawing criticism over its reliance on gas-burning generators rather than renewable energy sources. The facility, which the company had initially suggested would focus on solar power, will instead use natural gas to provide electricity. This development has sparked controversy due to El Paso’s ongoing struggles with air quality—frequently receiving poor grades from the American Lung Association for unhealthy smog levels—and the city's expedited approval of the project’s air permit.

Local residents have voiced strong opposition to the project and the generous incentives it has received. El Paso granted Meta an 80 percent property tax break lasting 35 years as part of the data center’s development deal. Opponents argue this undermines community interests, while supporters emphasize the project’s economic benefits. At a City Council hearing in May, hundreds lined up to express concerns about environmental impacts and the deal’s fairness. Michael Ramirez, a cook at a downtown restaurant, urged city officials to keep the public informed on key decisions.

On the other hand, proponents like Ricardo Rivero, a union member representing electrical workers, defended the initiative, warning that discouraging major investments could hamper local economic growth. Meta projects that the center will provide employment for more than 4,000 construction workers during its peak development phase, although only about 300 permanent jobs will remain once operations begin.

The debate extends into adjoining neighborhoods such as Vista Del Norte, where opinions remain divided. Winston Colon, a local veteran, viewed the data center as a sign of progress amidst a shortage of well-paying jobs in El Paso. Others countered that the facility would not meet broader community needs, such as access to groceries and retail.

In response to the backlash, city officials announced plans to halt approval of additional large data centers. While some residents pushed for cancellation of the existing contract with Meta, the El Paso City Council voted in June against rescinding the agreement.

Environmental concerns focus heavily on the potential emissions from the gas-fired power generators. The Environmental Integrity Project estimates that if operated at full capacity, the facility could emit more than 1.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, roughly matching the output of four average natural gas power plants based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data.

Meta stated the project supports thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of ongoing positions, and contributes significant local tax revenue while bolstering digital infrastructure essential to area businesses and residents. The company deferred questions about the choice of generators to Enchanted Rock, the equipment provider, which maintains that its gas generators meet strict emissions standards and offer flexible, rapid power deployment.

El Paso Electric, the local utility, emphasized its commitment to renewable energy but noted that continuous power needs at present cannot be met solely through renewable sources.

The construction of gas-powered data centers like this one in El Paso comes amid a national uptick in greenhouse gas emissions following two years of decline. Technology firms such as Amazon and Google have reported increased emissions linked to their expanding data center operations despite previous pledges to reduce their carbon footprint.

At the federal level, the EPA has delegated much environmental oversight to local authorities. Plants operating off the main grid, like those supplying data centers, are often exempt from federal pollutant limits targeting smog and acid rain-causing emissions. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has prioritized advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure and has advocated deregulation to facilitate growth in data center projects, emphasizing that communities are best positioned to determine their own permitting processes.