El Paso Data Center Policy Framework

planned

The City of El Paso is proposing a new policy framework to manage future AI data centers within city limits. The framework includes no tax breaks or incentives for new data centers, requiring binding community benefit agreements instead. It mandates special use permits with public disclosure and City Council oversight, minimum distance requirements from residential and ecological areas, detailed plans on water and energy use, emissions, noise, and water treatment, and performance standards for efficient cooling technologies. The policy aims to address environmental concerns and ensure community benefits from data center developments.