Socorro residents oppose proposed data center, county considers moratorium
Residents in Socorro, New Mexico, strongly opposed a proposed data center and solar array project by Green Data at a town hall meeting, citing concerns about water use, electricity grid strain, and environmental impact. Local county officials have already approved the first step in considering a data center moratorium, reflecting community concerns. The project, proposed in partnership with New Mexico Tech, faces significant local resistance.
At a contentious town hall meeting in Socorro, New Mexico, local residents overwhelmingly opposed a proposed data center and massive solar array project, effectively commandeering the event intended to feature the developer. The project, a partnership between New Mexico Tech and Canadian company Green Data, aims to build facilities on 10,000 acres near Socorro.
Residents voiced strong concerns about the potential strain on already limited water resources, disruption to the electric grid, and the visual impact on Socorro County's desert landscape. Actor Forrie J. Smith, a local rancher, was among those who urged continued protest. Attendees also questioned why they learned of the project in March, despite a letter of intent being signed in January by Green Data CEO Jason Bak and university leaders.
Bak acknowledged past issues with the data center industry's community relations but touted the project as potentially the world's largest "renewable-led" data center, claiming it would use atmospheric water generation for most of its water needs. However, residents like County Commission candidate Cari Powell expressed skepticism about desert restoration. University President Michael Jackson admitted he was "somewhat indifferent" to the project's progression and confirmed that Bak has no prior experience building data centers, though other Green Data executives do. Jackson indicated he would still evaluate the atmospheric water generation technology. In response to community outcry, Socorro County officials have already taken the initial step to consider a data center moratorium.