Local residents express opposition to proposed Socorro data center
Residents in Socorro County, New Mexico, are opposing a proposed 10,000-acre data center by Green Data, citing environmental and water concerns. New Mexico Tech, which plans to lease land for the project, states they are in early information-gathering phases and will hold more town hall meetings, while Socorro County is considering a moratorium.
Socorro, N.M. residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed 10,000-acre data center development by Green Data during a recent town hall meeting on New Mexico Tech's campus. The project, which would include solar panels, is planned for an area between Socorro and Magdalena, with New Mexico Tech leasing its land to Green Data for 99 years.
Concerns raised by the community primarily focused on environmental impacts, particularly the strain on local water supplies. University leaders, addressing the crowded meeting, clarified that the project is still in its initial data and information gathering stages, with significant water, noise, and other environmental issues yet to be fully investigated before any recommendations are made.
The meeting is part of a series, with New Mexico Tech planning three additional town halls this summer. Meanwhile, Socorro County is reportedly considering a temporary pause or "pause button" on the proposed data center, indicating potential regulatory intervention in response to community concerns.