NM county adopts data center moratorium as residents protest Spaceport proposal
Sierra County, New Mexico, unanimously approved an 18-month data center moratorium after residents protested a proposed data center and solar array by Green Data at Spaceport America. The decision follows similar moratoriums in Santa Fe and Socorro counties, driven by concerns over water and environmental impacts. The commission chose a moratorium over a letter of concern, believing it would carry more weight with state lawmakers.
Sierra County, New Mexico, has enacted an 18-month moratorium on large-scale data center development, following a unanimous vote by the County Commission in Truth or Consequences. This action came after a resolution proposing opposition to data centers was amended by Commissioner Sandy Jones, who argued a moratorium would send a stronger message to state lawmakers regarding concerns over data centers' water and environmental impacts. The decision aligns with similar moratoriums recently approved in Santa Fe and Socorro counties.
The county's vote was influenced by local scrutiny of a proposal from Canadian company Green Data to build a data center and solar array at Spaceport America, which is located on state trust land. Spaceport America spokesperson Charlie Hurley confirmed they are not currently in talks with other developers for data centers and have not signed agreements with Green Data. The State Land Office is reviewing the moratorium's impact on Green Data's proposal.
Green Data, led by CEO Jason Bak, had previously proposed a similar project with New Mexico Tech in Socorro, touting its sustainable design with solar energy and "atmospheric water generation." However, New Mexico Tech paused that development due to land availability issues. Residents of Sierra County, organized under "Project Consequences," expressed strong support for the moratorium, with Monticello resident Sulome Anderson calling it a "victory for ordinary people" focused on protecting water resources and the local way of life.