Residents call for moratorium and safeguards as data‑center proposals stir water, tax and health concerns

Speakers at the May 4 public forum urged the city to impose a formal moratorium or adopt binding safeguards for hyperscale data‑center development while local rules and environmental protections are developed. The comments reflected two recurring concerns: large potable‑water withdrawals and unclear wastewater handling (specifically PFAS risks), and tax incentives that may deliver little local long‑term revenue relative to public costs.

Speakers recounted national and regional examples. A media reporter who covered El Paso’s recent Meta proposal cited the company’s large water and tax terms and urged council to pause new approvals until the city completes analysis. “Pass a freaking moratorium,” the reporter told the council. Residents pressed for strict disclosure of water‑use volumes, binding pollutant limits, bans on NDAs that prevent public review and at least a 12‑month pause to develop enforceable rules.

Local officials’ comments to date: Council earlier authorized a 120‑day administrative ‘stay’ on implementation, but multiple public speakers said that action does not carry the legal force of a formal moratorium and urged a longer, legally‑explicit pause so the city and county can jointly draft permitting standards, water‑use limits and tax‑subsidy guidelines.

Council response and next steps: Council did not vote on a moratorium during the session. Several members asked staff and the city attorney to return with legal options that may include a moratorium, model ordinances and more public hearings so council can weigh tradeoffs and coordinate with Cumberland County.