Doña Ana Democrats defend data center moratorium; Republicans question impact
Two New Mexico state lawmakers plan to introduce legislation for a statewide data center moratorium during the 2027 session, citing a lack of transparency and environmental concerns, particularly regarding Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County. Republicans on the interim Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee raised concerns about the economic impact of such a moratorium. The lawmakers are currently working on defining the scope and duration of the proposed moratorium.
Two New Mexico state lawmakers, Representatives Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) and Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla), announced their intention to introduce legislation for a statewide data center moratorium during the 2027 session. Speaking before the interim Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee in Socorro, the lawmakers cited issues of transparency and environmental concerns, specifically referencing the controversial Project Jupiter data center proposed near Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County. Rubio stated that the project's handling demonstrated a "level of betrayal" to constituents and called for a pause on data center development across New Mexico to allow for proper regulation and community consultation.
Republican committee members, including Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho) and Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), expressed skepticism, questioning the economic impact of such a moratorium, including potential losses in capital investment, construction jobs, and tax revenue. They also raised concerns about where data center infrastructure would be built if not in New Mexico.
Rubio and Lara Cadena acknowledged that the legislation is still in development, with details such as the definition of a data center and the moratorium's duration still being determined. They committed to conducting necessary economic analyses and consulting with stakeholders before the 2027 legislative session. The discussion highlighted broader national trends of increasing controversy and proposed moratoriums on data center development, with Santa Fe, Socorro, and Sierra counties in New Mexico already having enacted local moratoriums.