New Mexico leaders comment on potential Google data center in Lea County
New Mexico leaders are commenting on Google's potential data center project in Lea County. While Google claims the project would use renewable energy and manage water responsibly, some lawmakers express concerns and propose a statewide pause on new data centers. Others support the project for its potential to create jobs.
Google has announced it is in the early stages of exploring a potential new data center project in Lea County, New Mexico. The company stated it would pay for the energy consumed and manage water use responsibly, emphasizing a closed-loop, air-cooled system with less water use and reliance on renewable energy.
However, the proposed project has drawn mixed reactions from state leaders. State Senator Angelica Rubio expressed concerns, advocating for due diligence and answers for communities like Lea County before any approval. She is also seeking a statewide pause on new data center developments. Conversely, Republican Senator Jim Townsend supports the idea, believing data centers have become more efficient and environmentally sensitive, and could bring much-needed jobs to the area.