New Mexico Committee Reviews Data Center Impacts in Socorro

New Mexico lawmakers gathered at New Mexico Tech's Joseph A. Fidel Center in Socorro for a Science, Technology and Telecommunications committee meeting on April 10 and 11. The agenda included presentations on data centers, artificial intelligence, water, geothermal energy, cybersecurity, and research from New Mexico Tech. Socorro Mayor Ravi Bhasker welcomed the lawmakers and highlighted the local controversy surrounding proposed data centers and large solar arrays.

Mayor Bhasker stated that Socorro County has already enacted a moratorium on data centers due to severe water concerns, with the city of Socorro also considering a pause on such projects. He emphasized the significant water consumption of data centers, noting that a single facility could use between 300,000 to 600,000 gallons per day, compared to the city's total daily use of 650,000 gallons. Bhasker clarified that the city is not opposed to large solar arrays and has collaborated with Socorro Electric Co-op on a battery backup project.

State Representative Rebecca Dow, though not on the committee, attended the meetings due to the importance of the issues to Socorro. She expressed a desire to embrace innovation while protecting water, privacy, and children, and noted that her main concerns regarding data centers revolve around water, electricity rates, and noise. Dow also highlighted the potential of using brackish and produced water for industry to conserve freshwater resources in the water-scarce state.

Locals, including Socorro County Manager Joe Chavez and members of the Blue Ribbon Committee, attended the discussions. Val Thomas, Vice President of Protect Socorro County, spoke during public comment, asserting that large-scale data centers are fundamentally incompatible with New Mexico's delicate water and energy systems. She argued that the push for a moratorium aims to create time for developing science-based development guidelines, rather than imposing a permanent ban.