Candidate Forum focused on water and data centers

The San Agustin Water Coalition hosted a candidate forum at Datil Schools, attended by over 90 individuals, to discuss the critical intersection of water resources and data center development in New Mexico. Candidates vying for positions from Governor to State Legislature and U.S. Congress addressed concerns regarding a proposed "green" data center near Socorro, particularly its potential impact on the San Agustin Plains Aquifer. Republican State Representative Gail Armstrong, an unopposed opponent of large-scale water extraction, expressed skepticism about the proposed project, criticizing the lack of transparency from "Green Data" and the unsuccessful legislative attempts to enact a data center moratorium or conduct a statewide study. She emphasized the need to change New Mexico's water law to protect constituents. Democrat gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman advocated for a cabinet-level Water Resources Department to manage water use, citing a projected 25% reduction in surface water and calling for expedited aquifer mapping. Republican Doug Turner opposed further studies, urging immediate action and emphasizing the importance of electing a governor who would appoint skilled water resource managers. Another Republican gubernatorial candidate, Gregory Hull, suggested data centers should locate in areas with abundant energy and salinated or produced water, such as southeastern New Mexico, rather than vulnerable rural aquifers. He also proposed that large-scale projects should include their own power plants and generate excess electricity. Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Aubrey Blair Dunn, speaking on behalf of Duke Rodriquez, argued for better enforcement of existing laws and investment in desalination and brackish water use instead of aquifer tapping. Republican State Land Commissioner candidate Michael Perry expressed protection for rural water and agriculture, stressing that state trust land development should not impede existing water supplies. U.S. House candidate Greg Cunningham supported a "desalinate, or you don't operate" approach, while U.S. Senate candidate Larry Marker reiterated that solutions exist but are politically mishandled, suggesting data centers utilize produced water in southeastern New Mexico. The forum highlighted a strong political and community focus on sustainable water management in the face of industrial development.