Raton City Commission Discusses Ordinances for Potential Data Center Development
The Raton City Commission is discussing and planning to draft new zoning ordinances and amendments to regulate potential data center development in the city. This move is in response to concerns about high utility usage, noise, and lighting from such facilities. Local residents have actively opposed the prospect of a data center, with over 300 signing a petition.
Raton City Commissioners held a special meeting to consider possible zoning and ordinance amendments to manage the potential arrival of high utility users, such as data centers, in Raton. The discussion highlighted the lack of data center-specific ordinances in New Mexico and the need for comprehensive regulations addressing electric usage, noise, and lighting.
Code Enforcement officer Mac Gerry emphasized that communities often face difficulties when lacking clear ordinances defining and regulating data centers. The commission noted that a new Lumen Regen facility could potentially consume 1.8 megawatts of power, underscoring concerns about energy demand. Residents voiced strong opposition during the public comment section, with reports indicating over 300 citizens have signed a petition against a data center.
The city plans to initiate the process of developing a dedicated ordinance, which will undergo legal review and include provisions for utility compliance checks and usage limits. This effort aims to establish a regulatory framework before any specific data center proposals advance, addressing both community concerns and potential infrastructure impacts.