Raton City Commission Turns Down Data Center Moratorium
The Raton City Commission voted 3-2 to reject a proposed one-year moratorium on data center business licenses and zoning approvals. The decision followed a public petition opposing data centers, with commissioners debating the need for a moratorium given existing utility safeguards and state regulations. The commission is currently working on an ordinance to regulate data center operations.
The Raton City Commission, by a 3-2 vote, rejected a resolution that would have imposed a temporary one-year moratorium on business licenses and zoning approvals for data centers in Raton, New Mexico. The proposed moratorium was intended to provide time for the commission to adopt a new ordinance regulating data center operations.
Commissioner Dan Campbell, voting against the resolution, cited Raton's unique position as owner of its utilities (RPS and Raton Water Works), which already have safeguards in place. He also noted Raton's limited power generation and surface water resources as natural deterrents for data centers. Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Honeyfield also voted no, expressing concern about the resolution's implications for existing facilities like the CenturyLink data center and the lack of legal review. Mayor Lori Chatterley highlighted existing regulations by RPS, RWW, and the NM Environment Dept. and mentioned an earlier MOU with Atterix, suggesting an ordinance is the preferred regulatory approach.
Commissioners Linde Schuster and Sally Hoger supported the moratorium, arguing it would provide community stability and protection while a comprehensive ordinance is developed. Prior to the vote, Kimberly Burke submitted a petition with 477 signatures from Raton residents opposing data centers. The commission is still developing an ordinance to regulate data center operations, which they view as the long-term solution.