NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Two New Mexico Democratic lawmakers are unveiling the framework of their effort to pass a statewide moratorium on “large-scale” data centers. The House reps behind the bill represent parts of Albuquerque and Las Cruces. They said the moratorium would “prohibit new large-scale data center projects” while the state looks into their impact on water, energy, emissions, and overall “community benefits.”
“It is time, in our opinion, to pump the brakes on data centers in New Mexico. Project Jupiter and the way it has been forced on our communities is exactly the reason why this state needs a moratorium. We owe it to every community in New Mexico to make sure this never happens again,” said Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces).
Representatives Rubio and Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla) detailed the bill to a legislative committee Tuesday morning. Pointing to Project Jupiter south of her district, Rep. Cadena said the project moved so quickly that county officials who approved the multi-billion-dollar tax break still can’t provide details to neighbors on water use and emissions…