Where does gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland stand on data centers?

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland has declared that, if elected, she will implement an immediate statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center projects in New Mexico. Speaking at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, Haaland stated that development would be paused until a robust regulatory framework is established, including specific protections for water, energy, and jobs, as well as a requirement for data centers to generate their own renewable energy. This proposal would also prioritize New Mexicans for jobs and limit state business aid to companies exceeding these new standards.

Haaland's position contrasts sharply with that of her Republican opponent, Gregg Hull, who opposes a moratorium, arguing it would signal that New Mexico is "closed for business." Hull advocates for project-by-project accountability based on local infrastructure capacity rather than statewide rules. The debate unfolds amid growing public concern and opposition to data centers in the state; a recent Journal poll indicated 65% opposition to large-scale data center development, and a Doña Ana County Commission meeting saw arrests of project opponents.

The article notes that Oracle, a company associated with "Project Jupiter" in southern New Mexico, made a $12,400 donation to Haaland's campaign, which she addressed by emphasizing her commitment to New Mexicans' interests over corporate influence. Haaland's proposal aligns with similar efforts in other states like New York and Virginia, which have either enacted or proposed temporary pauses on data center development to address environmental and infrastructure concerns.