Magdalena residents voice strong opposition to proposed data center

Residents of the Village of Magdalena overwhelmingly opposed a proposed data center project on New Mexico Tech-owned land during an April 27 board meeting. Speakers expressed concerns regarding water usage in the arid climate, potential environmental damage, and a lack of transparency from New Mexico Tech and the unnamed developer. Mayor Michael Thompson acknowledged the significant public concern, stating he welcomed the community's input. Trustee Terry Winchester informed the audience she is drafting a resolution for the board to consider, emphasizing the potential negative consequences for Magdalena and western Socorro County, despite the project falling outside village jurisdiction. Residents urged the board to pass the resolution and support a county-level moratorium. Val Thomas, a New Mexico Tech employee, criticized the developer, describing them primarily as a real estate developer with a history of incomplete projects and dismissing a community survey as a 'placeholder.' She also challenged claims about atmospheric water generation, noting a closed-loop system would still require substantial water. Other residents, including farmer Vanetta Perry and Hop Canyon resident John Hertz, highlighted intergenerational responsibility and the perceived deliberate opacity from New Mexico Tech, encouraging residents to directly pressure Tech's administration. Community members promoted a petition for a countywide data center development moratorium, which is expected to be presented to the Socorro County Commission on May 12. Mayor Thompson confirmed that neither New Mexico Tech nor the company proposing the data center had officially contacted the village.