Haaland, Bregman split on energy and environment in only Democratic debate
News ClipNavajo Times·Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, NM·5/4/2026
Democratic gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman debated environmental and energy issues in New Mexico, including their stances on the proposed Project Jupiter hyperscale data center. They discussed the need for guardrails on water and electricity use for data centers and also addressed the acquisition of Public Service Company of New Mexico.
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The Democratic gubernatorial primary debate in New Mexico, featuring former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, highlighted their differing views on environmental and energy policies, including the future of data center development and utility acquisitions. Hosted by Dukes Up in Albuquerque, the candidates addressed questions from advocacy groups rather than journalists.
Regarding the proposed Project Jupiter hyperscale data center, Bregman expressed conditional support, emphasizing the need for guardrails on water use and electricity, and suggesting desalinated brackish water for cooling. He also noted the potential for construction jobs. Haaland, conversely, insisted data centers must align with existing state clean energy goals and could not rely on gas-powered microgrids, proposing that similar construction jobs could be generated through affordable housing initiatives.
The debate also covered the controversial reuse of fracking wastewater, with Haaland advocating for full chemical disclosure and caution against releasing it into water supplies, while Bregman grouped it with other recycled water sources. On Blackstone's potential acquisition of Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), Haaland raised concerns about private equity's shareholder-first approach, urging public advocacy. Bregman acknowledged PNM's capital needs to meet renewable targets, indicating he might accept the deal with robust rate-protection contracts.
Beyond environmental and energy topics, both candidates supported expanding child and working families tax credits, preserving universal child care, and strengthening data privacy. They also discussed the Yazzie v. Martinez ruling on education adequacy, with Bregman proposing a rapid response tutoring team and Haaland emphasizing tribal consultation. Both candidates concluded by outlining their broader visions for improving New Mexico, with Bregman focusing on quality of life and Haaland highlighting her federal experience.