Letter of intent between Green Data and NMT signed in January receives reaction from the public at NMT meeting

A disclosed Letter of Intent (LOI) between New Mexico Tech (NMT) and Green Data Center, signed by NMT and Jason Bak, CEO of Green Data on behalf of Aetherion Inc., for a 99-year ground lease of 16 square miles in Socorro County, has intensified community skepticism. The LOI, dated January 5, 2026, outlines plans for a 2GW data center, a 10GW solar project, and 200MW of nuclear power, although Green Data CEO Jason Bak stated the nuclear component has been dropped in favor of geothermal. NMT officials maintain the LOI is non-binding and not a final agreement.

Hundreds of Socorro residents have voiced strong opposition at public meetings, including a recent NMT Board of Regents meeting where approximately 100 people attended. Concerns focused on water scarcity, seismic risks, potential environmental contamination from historic depleted uranium testing, and a perceived lack of transparency from NMT. Sergio Garza, a Scientific Data Analyst at National Radio Astronomy Observatory, presented statistics on projected heat output, chemical risks, and water demands, equating the heat load to "about three Hiroshima bombs a day."

In response to the growing public outcry, Socorro County commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on June 9 to consider a one-year moratorium on data center developments. NMT President Michael Jackson and Board of Regents President David Lepre, Sr. acknowledged community concerns and scheduled additional town halls. The lease agreement in the LOI is contingent on Aetherion securing utility commitments, permits, and satisfactory title, with a one-year feasibility period during which the tenant can terminate the lease.