City of Clovis rejects data center moratorium
The Clovis City Commission in New Mexico has rejected a proposed 120-day moratorium on data center construction. Mayor Mike Morris, who supported the moratorium, emphasized concerns about the city's long-term water supply and the need for a comprehensive policy regarding artificial intelligence facilities. The city plans to proceed with developing such a policy.
The City of Clovis Commission in New Mexico has voted 5-3 to reject a proposed 120-day moratorium on building data centers within city limits. The decision was made following a discussion where Mayor Mike Morris expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence facilities on the community's resources, particularly its water supply.
Mayor Morris stated that the proposed pause was intended to give city staff time to develop a reasonable plan to protect the community's long-term interests, rather than to outright ban data centers. He highlighted the significant investments the city has made in its water infrastructure, including funding for the Ute Pipeline through property taxes.
Despite the rejection of the moratorium, Mayor Morris indicated that the city would still move forward with developing a comprehensive policy for these controversial facilities.