Data centers figure prominently in former US interior secretary's campaign for New Mexico Governor
News Clip1:23PEP Radio·Albuquerque, Sandoval County, NM·9/17/2026
Data centers are a key issue in New Mexico's governor's race, with candidate Deb Haaland proposing a moratorium on new large-scale data center construction due to water concerns. Her opponent, Gregg Hull, opposes a moratorium, favoring competition and regulation. Campaign finance records show data center interests tied to a 'Project Jupiter' in southern New Mexico donated to Haaland's campaign.
moratoriumenvironmentalgovernmentwater
Gov: New Mexico State Government
Data centers figure prominently in former US interior secretary’s campaign for New Mexico governor
From the PEP Radio Newsroom, we have this news from Albuquerque:
Data centers are emerging as a flashpoint in New Mexico’s governor’s race with both major party candidates staking out positions on the rapidly growing industry.
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland vowed Thursday to place a moratorium on new large-scale data center construction in New Mexico if elected governor.
“The bottom line is we don’t have water to waste,” the Democrat said in Albuquerque.
Haaland’s campaign said her proposed moratorium would not affect projects already underway but would remain until “strong, clear” regulations are enacted.
Campaign finance filings showed companies and executives tied to a massive Project Jupiter data center planned in southern New Mexico donated tens of thousands of dollars to Haaland’s campaign.
Those interests didn’t donate to GOP nominee Gregg Hull in the same period. Hull opposes a moratorium, arguing the state should compete to attract data center investment while regulating its environmental and other impacts.
That’s what we know for now. For PEP Radio News, I’m David Moore.
Posted: September 17, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT
AP link: https://apnews.com/live/trump-canada-tariffs-federal-reserve-news-updates-09-17-2026#000001a0-b0eb-d718-adb3-f4fbef670000