Sitting room only at City Public Forum on Green Data Center

The City of Socorro's public forum on a proposed "Green Data" data center saw overwhelming attendance, with approximately 140 people filling the City Hall Chambers and thousands more viewing online. Community members from across Socorro County, including ranchers, farmers, educators, and medical professionals, voiced strong opposition to the project, categorizing it as high-risk with low benefit. Concerns centered primarily on water usage, with fears that the massive data center could deplete aquifers and contaminate groundwater in an area already experiencing well declines. Additional environmental and health risks cited included noise, pollution, heat domes, dust, and potential battery fires. Speakers also raised issues about potential damage to historic sites, dark skies, wildlife corridors, and the rural character of Socorro County. Yellowstone actor Forrie Smith was among those expressing concern, particularly about water diversion from farmers and ranchers, while Mayor Ravi Bhasker's query for supporters of the project yielded no response. Critics highlighted the vagueness of the proposal, lack of transparent data, and questions surrounding the developer's track record and financing. Following the public input, Mayor Ravi Bhasker expressed his personal skepticism about the project's viability in the desert and stated his support for putting a moratorium on the city council agenda, similar to one being considered by the county, to allow for more public education and input. New Mexico Tech, which has its own separate data center, clarified its role, with Vice President Delilah Walsh explaining they signed a "letter to negotiate" rather than an NDA and were still awaiting substantial technical and financial information from Green Data. Dr. Michael Jackson, NMT President, announced a series of upcoming town hall meetings through September to provide more information and address questions from the community. Green Data CEO Jason Bak, who was not present at the forum, stated that his company is focusing on the New Mexico Tech town halls and is committed to publishing answers to submitted questions before the May 19 NMT event, emphasizing a long-term commitment to community engagement and trust-building.