In Silver City, rapid community response to local data center proposal
Residents of Grant County, New Mexico, are mobilizing a grassroots campaign against a proposed data center after learning about it through a public notice. The project, identified as Site Layer 1 LLC, would be powered by natural gas and is projected to emit significant greenhouse gases and particulate matter, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to community outcry, a Grant County Commissioner plans to propose a one-year moratorium on data center development.
Residents of Grant County, New Mexico, particularly in Silver City, were "blindsided" by a proposed data center after a public notice in the Silver City Daily Press announced an upcoming air quality permit filing with the New Mexico Environment Department. The project, owned by Site Layer 1 LLC and linked to New York-based venture capital firm Corner, is planned to be powered by 32 natural gas-fueled engines, generating 300.8 megawatts and projected to emit nearly 1.3 million tons of greenhouse gases and 225 tons of particulate matter annually.
Community organizer Oly Perez and the Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) quickly initiated a grassroots campaign from Silver City, gathering information and organizing a letter-writing effort to oppose the air quality permit and advocate for a moratorium. Concerns center on potential air pollution impacting respiratory health in an area prone to dust storms, as well as demands on "limited water resources, clean air, and long-term future" for southern New Mexico.
The swift community response has garnered political support. Both state House candidate Raul Turrieta (D-Silver City) and incumbent state Rep. Luis Terrazas (R-Santa Clara) have expressed backing for a temporary halt to data center development to establish environmental and economic standards. Reflecting this sentiment, Grant County Commissioner Nancy Stephens confirmed plans to propose a one-year moratorium, modeled on a similar resolution in Socorro County, at the Sept. 24 commissioners' meeting.