County to consider data center moratorium, solid waste ordinance changes
The Grant County Commission discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers following strong public comment about a potential data center near Hachita. Commissioner Nancy Stephens submitted a draft moratorium to allow for more information gathering and guardrail implementation. Public concerns included water and electricity usage, noise, and job creation, while commissioners debated the county's legal authority.
The Grant County Commission in New Mexico convened a work session that featured extensive public comment regarding a proposed moratorium on data centers. Triggered by a potential data center near Hachita, District 3 Commissioner Nancy Stephens has introduced a draft moratorium aimed at pausing development to gather more information and establish regulatory "guardrails." Public speakers at the meeting expressed unanimous support for the moratorium, citing concerns about water and electricity consumption, noise and light pollution, a perceived lack of permanent jobs, and skepticism over sustainability claims.
Several residents voiced strong opposition, with Jane Palmer drawing parallels to extractive industries in Appalachia, and Rochelle Lorton detailing objections to resource use and misleading promises. However, District 5 Commissioner Thomas Shelley expressed doubts about the county's legal authority to regulate data centers, cautioning against actions that could invite lawsuits. Commission Chair Chris Ponce and Commissioner Stephens indicated they are researching available zoning mechanisms and seeking information from other counties with data center operations to better inform future decisions. The moratorium is expected to appear on a future county agenda for further consideration.