Haaland proposes data center moratorium, guardrails despite $87K in campaign cash
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland proposed a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center projects in New Mexico, contingent on her election. The pause would allow the state Legislature to establish a framework of regulations and guardrails for future data center development, addressing concerns about community, workers, and water resources. The announcement follows reports of significant campaign contributions to Haaland from companies linked to the controversial Project Jupiter data center, raising questions from her Republican opponent.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland announced plans to implement a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center projects in New Mexico if elected. Speaking at a news conference in Albuquerque, Haaland stated she would sign an executive order on day one, pausing development until the state Legislature can establish comprehensive guardrails and accountability measures for the industry.
Her proposal comes after reports by The New Mexican highlighted substantial campaign contributions, totaling at least $87,200, from companies and CEOs with ties to the contentious Project Jupiter data center in Doña Ana County, including Oracle. Haaland addressed the donations, asserting her ability to protect New Mexicans regardless of campaign funding. Republican opponent Gregg Hull, a former Rio Rancho Mayor, criticized her announcement as "suspicious" and "damage control," while emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding taxpayer and ratepayer interests regarding water use.
Haaland outlined eight proposed requirements for future data centers, emphasizing community protection, worker safety, and water conservation. These guidelines, she noted, would not affect existing county-level moratoriums, such as those adopted in Santa Fe County, or proposals in Grant County. Supporters, including the Democratic Party of New Mexico, New Mexico House Democrats, and the Rio Grande chapter of the Sierra Club, applauded Haaland's initiative, stressing the need for enforceable regulations to mitigate environmental impacts and protect state resources. The article also briefly mentioned that the state high court denied petitions filed by environmental groups against a hyperscale data center.