Commissioners discuss zoning for controlling AI data center

Raton City Commissioners convened a special meeting to address the potential for future data center development within the city. A key agenda item focused on deliberating and formulating new zoning regulations and requirements to accommodate such facilities, with commissioners referencing existing ordinances from Santa Fe County and a proposed moratorium in Socorro County as models for their discussions.

Discussions for the new regulations encompassed various critical aspects, including defining data center size in relation to power consumption and ensuring Raton's infrastructure can support these demands. Water usage was a significant concern, with commissioners expressing a preference for closed-loop cooling systems over evaporative ones and emphasizing water availability and capacity measurement. The Raton Water Board and RPS would be involved in utility approval processes.

Further regulatory considerations included mitigating operational sound levels from data centers, with a minimum setback of a quarter mile from residential areas being proposed. Wastewater handling and disposal, adherence to EPA guidelines, and the proper use of generators (limited to power loss and maintenance) were also debated. Commissioners also discussed the legal enforceability of decommissioning requirements, including financial provisions for demolition and hazardous material removal upon a facility's vacating.