New Mexico Governor's Race Focuses on Data Center Moratorium; Ohio Senator Pushes for Data Center Energy Cost Bill
New Mexico's gubernatorial candidates are divided on data center development, with one proposing a moratorium due to water concerns and the other supporting regulated growth. Concurrently, the U.S. Senate blocked a bill seeking to make data centers pay the full cost of their energy infrastructure, a measure supported by an Ohio senator and opposed by a New Mexico senator.
The New Mexico gubernatorial race features opposing views on data center development. Democratic candidate Deb Haaland has proposed a moratorium on new large-scale data center construction, citing concerns over water scarcity and advocating for strong regulations. Her campaign stated the moratorium would not affect existing projects but would last until clear regulations are enacted. Conversely, Republican candidate Gregg Hull opposes a moratorium, arguing the state should attract data center investment while still regulating their environmental impacts. Campaign finance filings showed companies involved with a large "Project Jupiter" data center in southern New Mexico donated to Haaland's campaign, but not to Hull's.
Separately, the U.S. Senate debated a House-passed bill designed to ensure data centers pay the full cost of their energy infrastructure. Republican Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, who is facing reelection challenges and a proposed referendum in his state to ban data center construction, supported the bill, stating, "If you create the costs you should pay the costs." However, Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico objected to the bill, arguing that it lacked sufficient "teeth" and that Congress needed to pass stronger legislation rather than relying on voluntary pledges or state suggestions. The Senate ultimately blocked the measure.