City of Raton, Colfax County take opposite stands on data center moratoriums
The Raton City Commission voted 3-2 to reject a proposed one-year moratorium on new data centers after nearly 500 residents signed a petition opposing development. Colfax County separately adopted a one-year moratorium for unincorporated areas, while Raton officials consider regulations addressing data center water and power use, noise and setbacks.
The Raton City Commission rejected a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers in a 3-2 vote on Sept. 22. The decision followed a petition signed by nearly 500 residents and opposition led by residents including Pat Walsh and Kimberle Burke. Mayor Lori Chatterley and Commissioners Daniel Campbell and Mark Honeyfield voted against the moratorium, while Commissioners Linde Schuster and Sally Hoger supported it.
The controversy began after Atterix LLC signed a memorandum of understanding with Raton to study a potential three-phase data center project that could significantly increase electricity demand. City officials cited limited power and water capacity, while opponents raised concerns about water use, noise and economic impacts. Colfax County adopted a separate one-year moratorium covering unincorporated areas, and Raton officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance that would regulate data center power and water consumption, setbacks and noise.