Slideshow: A Divide Over a Proposed El Paso Power Plant

After learning of the El Paso Electric Company’s plans to construct a natural gas power plant near the Montana Vista subdivision of far east El Paso County, residents mobilized. Some have joined Far East El Paso Citizens United, a 200-member coalition opposed to a project it alleges will adversely affect the environment in the colonia. Officials with the company say that not only is the proposed plant necessary to meet the growing demand of the county and city, but it is following all regulations and using the latest and safest technology possible. This series of photographs illustrates the divide. Photos by Ivan Pierre Aguirre.

The Magellan pipeline petroleum tank storage terminal in the Montana Vista community in far east El Paso, Texas on April 1, 2013. El Paso Electric plans to build a natural gas power plant that will be able to provide electricity to 80,000 homes in the area.

 

Vice President Adrian Castillo, left, and President Raphael Carrasco of the Far East El Paso Citizens United Organization stand near the Magellan pipeline petroleum tank storage terminal in the Montana Vista community on April 1, 2013. 

 

A boy walks through the Montana Vista community in far east El Paso on April 1, 2013. 

 

A sign against the proposed construction of a power station in the Montana Vista community on April 1, 2013. 

 

Florentino Moreno (left), his sons Jesus and Angel Moreno, and friend Patrick Cedeño play basketball in the Montana Vista community on April 1, 2013. 

 

Patrick Cedeño takes a break from playing basketball in the Montana Vista community.

 

Hermelinda Moreno walks through her yard in the Montana Vista community on April 1, 2013. Moreno and her family have lived here for eight years. 

 

President Ralph Carrasco (middle) and vice president Adrian Castillo of Far East El Paso Citizens United speak to Jose Rangel (left) about the proposed construction of a power station in the Montana Vista community. Rangel's property directly borders the land where El Paso Electric plans to build a natural gas power plant that would provide electricity to 80,000 homes in the area.

 

The Magellan pipeline petroleum tank storage terminal near a home in the Montana Vista community. The property directly borders the land where El Paso Electric plans to build a natural gas power plant.