New Mexico Lawmakers Propose Moratorium on Data Centers Amid Economic Concerns
Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico, including Reps. Micaela Lara Cadena and Angelica Rubio, are advocating for a moratorium on data center development in the state. They presented their proposal to the interim Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee, emphasizing the need for regulatory guardrails around data center projects. The lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of such developments, drawing parallels to the state's historical reliance on extractive industries like oil and gas. The proposal comes in response to ongoing controversies surrounding the Project Jupiter data center campus, which has faced legal challenges over alleged violations of the state Open Meetings Act. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Joshua Hernandez, have questioned the moratorium's potential impact on the state's economy and job growth, suggesting a study to assess these effects. 
