Santa Fe County approves 18-month data center moratorium
Santa Fe County commissioners unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on data center developments to allow time for the creation of land-use regulations and environmental standards. The ordinance aims to study impacts related to water consumption, electrical demand, grid reliability, and environmental concerns. This proactive measure comes as other New Mexico counties also grapple with data center proposals and public outcry.
Santa Fe County commissioners have unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center developments, effective immediately. The ordinance, sponsored by Commissioners Lisa Cacari Stone and Hank Hughes, aims to give county staff time to study the potential impacts of data centers on water consumption, electrical demand, grid reliability, environmental factors, and land-use compatibility, in order to prepare future regulations and "guardrails" for such projects.
The decision comes amidst growing concerns across the U.S. regarding the significant energy and water demands of data centers, often leading to public opposition, as seen recently in Doña Ana and Socorro counties, and in the city of Raton, New Mexico. Santa Fe County's moratorium is the second in the state, following a similar measure in Socorro County last month, while Bernalillo County passed a resolution in February to implement "guardrails."
Commissioners Stone and Hughes emphasized the importance of data centers in modern life but stressed the need for local governments to have adequate policies to protect communities, water resources, and electrical systems. The approval was met with applause from the public, with advocates expressing hope that Santa Fe County's proactive approach could serve as a model for other communities in New Mexico.