Deb Haaland backs data center moratorium on ‘day one’ if elected New Mexico governor
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland has vowed to issue an executive order for a statewide data center construction moratorium on her first day in office if elected in New Mexico. This pause would last until state lawmakers approve a regulatory framework. Haaland also presented an eight-point plan for data center regulations, emphasizing public negotiation and strong community and environmental protections.
New Mexico Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland announced she would issue an executive order on her first day in office to pause data center construction and development statewide. This moratorium would remain until state lawmakers approve a new regulatory framework. Haaland, a frontrunner in the race, also unveiled an eight-point plan for data center regulations, emphasizing public negotiation during the 2027 New Mexico legislative session, strong community engagement, and environmental protections, including the potential for geothermal energy sources.
The proposal follows public scrutiny over a $12,400 campaign donation Haaland received from Oracle, the company behind New Mexico's large "Project Jupiter" data center. Haaland defended her decision-making, stating that donations would not sway her priorities, which remain focused on New Mexicans. The Rio Grande Sierra Club has responded positively to her data center platform.