Data centers become key issue in New Mexico governor’s race
New Mexico gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull are debating data center regulation. Haaland proposes a statewide moratorium until renewable energy and local job requirements are met, while Hull advocates for local autonomy and guardrails without a complete halt. Both acknowledge concerns about water and electricity usage, with public opinion largely opposing large-scale data centers.
New Mexico's gubernatorial election features a sharp debate between candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull regarding the regulation of large-scale data centers. Democratic candidate Deb Haaland announced her intention to sign an executive order on "day one" of her administration, imposing a moratorium on new large-scale data center projects. This moratorium would remain in effect until these projects meet specific criteria, including generating renewable energy and prioritizing local jobs for New Mexicans. Haaland emphasized that these multi-billion-dollar companies are capable of meeting such requirements.
Conversely, Republican candidate Gregg Hull opposes a statewide moratorium, arguing that a "one-size-fits-all" approach undermines local autonomy. Hull advocates for "guardrails" rather than "roadblock walls," suggesting that projects should be evaluated based on local needs. He also highlighted the importance of using alternative resources to avoid straining existing power grids and increasing user rates, while ensuring New Mexico remains "open for business."
Both candidates acknowledge the significant water usage concerns associated with large data centers, particularly for AI cooling facilities, and agree on the necessity of preserving the state's water resources. The issue is gaining traction, with a recent Albuquerque Journal poll indicating that 65% of respondents oppose large-scale data centers. Campaign finance reports also drew attention when Oracle, a company linked to "Project Jupiter," donated the maximum allowed amount to Haaland’s campaign. While Haaland defended her ability to protect New Mexicans despite donations, Hull criticized her response as "damage control." The debate over data center policy is a key issue as early voting begins on October 6.