Santa Fe County Commissioners aim to pause data center projects in the county
Santa Fe County Commissioners are proposing a one-year moratorium on data center projects, driven by concerns over water and energy usage. Commissioners Lisa Cacari Stone and Hank Hughes are leading the effort, aiming to proactively protect the county's resources. The ordinance is expected to be considered at an upcoming commission meeting.
Santa Fe County Commissioners are advocating for a one-year moratorium on new data center projects within the county, citing significant concerns regarding water and energy consumption. Commissioners Lisa Cacari Stone and Hank Hughes are spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the need to protect the region's land and water resources.
The proposed ordinance aims to provide the county with a year to develop its own regulatory "guardrails" for data centers, including studying potential economic impacts, air quality, and stricter rules on energy and water usage. This proactive stance is influenced by controversies surrounding data center developments in other New Mexico counties, such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which faced extensive public criticism.
Santa Fe County has yet to receive a data center proposal, but Stone articulated a desire for the county to be a leader in preventative measures, ensuring community voices are heard and resources are protected. The push for a moratorium follows similar legislative actions in neighboring counties; Socorro County recently passed its own one-year moratorium with strong public support, and Bernalillo County commissioners adopted a "Data Center Guardrails Resolution" in February.
The Santa Fe County Commission is expected to consider the moratorium ordinance at its upcoming meeting, with Commissioner Hughes stating, "We need to protect the environment, and this limit on data centers does that."