Data center moratorium could be in the cards
New Mexico lawmakers Micaela Lara Cadena and Angelica Rubio are exploring a proposal for a statewide data center moratorium to be introduced in the 2027 legislative session. They advocate for increased safeguards and transparency for large-scale developments, including AI data centers. However, some Republican lawmakers are pushing for an economic impact study before any such pause.
New Mexico state lawmakers Micaela Lara Cadena and Angelica Rubio are developing a proposal for a temporary moratorium on certain data center developments within the state. This initiative, which could be introduced during the 2027 legislative session, stems from their concern for additional safeguards and greater transparency surrounding large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those involving AI-focused data centers.
The proponents argue that current regulations are insufficient for the rapid growth of this industry. However, the proposal has encountered resistance from some Republican legislators at the state Capitol. These opposing lawmakers contend that a comprehensive study on the potential economic impacts of such a statewide pause should be conducted before any moratorium is seriously considered.