New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Candidates Debate Data Center Policies, Moratorium Proposal
New Mexico lieutenant governor candidates debated the future of AI data centers, with Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard proposing a moratorium until legislative "guardrails" are in place. Republican David Gallegos favored development, suggesting data centers treat brackish groundwater and supply their own nuclear electricity. Additionally, U.S Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez introduced "No Blank Checks for Data Centers" principles, advocating for strict regulations on energy, water, and community impact.
New Mexico's top two candidates for lieutenant governor, Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard and Republican David Gallegos, engaged in a televised debate Thursday, revealing stark differences on AI data center development. Garcia Richard, running alongside gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland, advocated for a data center moratorium until legislative "guardrails" can be established, focusing on protecting the state's water resources and ensuring data centers do not burden ratepayers with large energy costs.
Conversely, Gallegos expressed support for data center development, suggesting they should treat brackish groundwater and generate their own electricity using nuclear reactors. Separately, U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, a New Mexico Democrat, unveiled her "No Blank Checks for Data Centers" principles. These principles call for data centers to meet the state's renewable energy goals, avoid negative impacts on water resources and electric bills, provide union jobs, secure community approval, and operate without taxpayer subsidies. The discussions underscore a growing political divide in New Mexico regarding the environmental and economic implications of the rapidly expanding data center industry.