Socorro County Moratorium on Data Centers
Socorro County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center and related infrastructure development. This action was a response to Green Data's proposed project and public backlash that led NM Tech to drop its plans. A committee will now draft regulations for data centers during the moratorium period.
Socorro County commissioners in New Mexico have unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center development and associated infrastructure within the county. This decision was a direct response to a proposed 10,000-acre solar farm and data center project by Green Data, planned between Socorro and Magdalena. The proposal had generated significant public opposition.
The public backlash notably prompted NM Tech, which was involved in the initial plans, to announce it was withdrawing from the project. Following the moratorium's approval, a new committee will be established, comprising experts and community members, to draft comprehensive regulations specifically for data centers. These proposed regulations are expected to undergo consideration before the one-year moratorium officially expires.