El Paso City Council adopts a Data Center Policy Framework requiring a Special Permit for hyperscale projects
The El Paso City Council voted on July 20th, 2026 to adopt a Data Center Policy Framework. The resolution came through a City Council Work Session and passed on a motion by Representative Boyar Trejo. The framework routes future hyperscale data center applications through a Special Permit with public notice, City Plan Commission review and a public hearing. It sets standards on water use, energy demand, noise and lighting. It also eliminates local economic incentives for future hyperscale projects. Implementation has to return to council as ordinance amendments, so the framework by itself changes no rule until those pass. El Paso sits in the Western Interconnection served by El Paso Electric and is not on ERCOT.
How to take part
Implementation returns to City Council as ordinance amendments and Special Permit applications. Each carries public notice, a City Plan Commission hearing and a council vote. Agendas and matter records are published in the city's Legistar system. Council meets in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 North Campbell Street, and virtually.
Where
1 county. In El Paso.
Dates
| Date | What | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-22 | filed | Matter 26-0778 introduced |
| 2026-07-20 | ordered | City Council Work Session approved the resolution adopting the framework |
The evidence
Every fact above rests on one of these. The words are the source's own.
Discussion and action to approve a Resolution for the adoption of the Data Center Policy Framework.City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0778 Primary source, official
A motion was made by Representative Boyar Trejo, seconded by Representative Limón, to Approve the item. The motion carried by the following vote:City of El Paso Legistar Web API, Matter 26-0778 Histories Primary source, official
This framework reflects months of listening, public engagement and careful policy development.El Paso City Council approves data center policy framework, KVIA Journalism