Data center opposition runs high in New Mexico
A new Journal poll indicates strong public opposition to large-scale data centers in New Mexico, with a significant majority supporting a statewide moratorium to develop regulations. Concerns are high regarding resource demands like power and water, leading to enacted moratoriums in Sierra and Socorro counties. The poll highlights a broad, bipartisan desire for regulatory guardrails before further development.
A recent Journal poll reveals strong public opposition to large-scale data center developments in New Mexico, with 65% of respondents against such projects and 75% supporting a statewide moratorium. This pause would allow the state to study local impacts and develop comprehensive regulations. The poll, conducted by Research & Polling Inc. from August 21-28, 2026, surveyed 516 likely voters and showed consistent opposition across demographic and political lines, a "highly unusual" finding according to Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc. Even among data center supporters, 57% favored a moratorium.
The survey results likely stem from concerns over the high resource demands of data centers, including significant electricity loads and water for cooling, as well as scrutiny over potential carbon emissions from on-site power generation. While the state's largest existing data center is Meta's facility in Los Lunas, recent projects like Oracle and OpenAI's 1,400-acre Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa, and a proposed facility north of Playas, have drawn attention.
Public opposition has already led to concrete actions at the local level. Canadian firm Green Data's larger project with New Mexico Tech in Socorro County was paused following a temporary countywide moratorium enacted this summer. Similarly, Sierra County commissioners implemented their own data center development pause in July. The article also notes the differing political views, with President Donald Trump championing data centers as a national security issue, while New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham supports development with due diligence. Despite these political stances, the call for a pause and regulations enjoys broad bipartisan support among New Mexico voters.