U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández Calls for Moratorium on New Mexico Data Centers, Citing Water and Electricity Concerns
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández is advocating for a pause on new data center developments in New Mexico. She asserts that companies must first demonstrate their ability to safeguard the state’s water resources, prevent increased electricity costs for residents, and provide tangible benefits to local communities. Leger Fernández introduced her “No Blank Checks for Data Centers Principles,” a six-point plan that includes requirements for data centers to cover their own electricity and infrastructure costs, avoid negative impacts on water resources, utilize renewable energy sources, create union jobs, secure community approval, and offer community benefits without taxpayer subsidies. This initiative aligns with similar proposals from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland. Leger Fernández emphasized that data centers must serve New Mexico's interests, not the other way around, and called for a moratorium until these principles are met. She also linked these principles to a broader demand for federal ...