Las Cruces, NM — Today, State Representatives Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla), Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque) and Senator Carrie Hamblen (D-Las Cruces) announced plans to introduce legislation establishing a statewide moratorium on large-scale data center development in New Mexico.
The proposed moratorium, to be introduced in the 2027 legislative session, would prohibit new large-scale data center projects in New Mexico, while the state develops a framework for evaluating water use, energy demand and emissions, ratepayer impact, and community benefits related to this industry. Lawmakers intend to couple this push with legislation to close the microgrid loophole and protect the data security of New Mexicans.
"New Mexico cannot keep saying yes before we understand what we are saying yes to," said Rep. Rubio. "We are watching this industry move faster than our laws, our water systems, and our communities can keep up with. A moratorium gives us the time to get this right, instead of finding out the consequences after the concrete is already poured."
The announcement comes as New Mexico communities continue to grapple with the consequences of Project Jupiter, an AI hyperscale data center being built in Santa Teresa. A $165 billion Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) for the project was approved by the Doña Ana County Commission in September, despite an incomplete application, hundreds of pages of documents left blank or marked as drafts, and a public input process that many felt was lacking. Since then, Project Jupiter has continued construction without the air quality permits needed for their power generation.
"Project Jupiter moved so quickly that the same county officials who approved the tax break worth billions and took ownership of this project still can't provide details or information for constituents seeking accountability on water use and emissions," said Rep. Lara Cadena. "That's exactly what happens when speed replaces scrutiny, and when deals are made with dishonesty and deception. A statewide moratorium is necessary so that we can ensure all industries meet our clean energy standards and operate within our scarce water realities."
"As an observer of what our communities in Doña Ana and Socorro County are facing, and what private equity is attempting to do in acquiring our local utility, it is imperative that the New Mexico legislature step in, require a pause, and establish guidelines and guardrails for all industries that put our communities' futures, and our land, air, and water in danger," said Rep. Chávez.
Similar legislative efforts have advanced in other states, including a recently passed measure in Maine that was ultimately vetoed by the state's Democratic governor after a dispute over a single project exemption. The New Mexico sponsors have been in discussions with Maine lawmakers to learn from their experience, while building a New Mexico-specific approach that reflects the state's unique water scarcity and the needs of frontline communities.
"This is not about saying no to economic development forever," said Rep. Rubio. "It's about saying not like this, and not without us."
The four legislators plan to introduce the legislation during the upcoming 2027 legislative session, and invite community members, advocates, and impacted residents to help them shape the policy in the coming months.
