County moves to have a public hearing on a moratorium for data centers

The Socorro County Commission has taken a step towards enacting a one-year moratorium on data centers and related infrastructure within the county's unincorporated areas. At a May 12 meeting attended by over 130 people, the commission approved the publication of an ordinance title and summary, which is a required legal step in New Mexico before a public hearing and vote can occur. A vote on the proposed moratorium is anticipated at the June 9 County Commission meeting. This move comes approximately six weeks after Green Data CEO Jason Bak announced plans for what he described as the world's largest green data center project, spanning 10,000 acres near M Mountain, with intentions to start construction this year. Bak stated the project would generate two gigawatts of power using water-neutral technology. During the commission meeting, numerous public commenters expressed concerns and opposition to the data center project, thanking commissioners for moving the ordinance forward. New Mexico Sen. Harold Pope Jr. advocated for the moratorium, viewing it as a "pro-people" measure to allow time for studying environmental and economic impacts and to ensure strong protections. He cautioned against data centers becoming a new "extractive industry." Dave Mooney, a candidate for New Mexico House District 38, drew parallels to issues in Doña Ana County with "Project Jupiter," alleging that developer promises regarding jobs and water usage can be misleading. The commission also plans to form a blue ribbon committee with community members to help develop future regulations should the moratorium be approved.