Overview:
Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor of New Mexico, is backing a moratorium on new large-scale data centers and proposing statewide safeguards to protect water, communities, workers, energy costs and the environment.
Native Vote 2026
Former Interior Secretary and gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland outlines an accountability plan addressing data center development, water conservation, energy costs, and local jobs.
Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), who is running to become New Mexico’s next governor, announced her support for a moratorium on new large-scale data center projects until the state establishes clear accountability measures and protections for communities and natural resources.
Haaland’s proposal comes as concerns grow over the rapid expansion of data centers, their potential impact on New Mexico’s water supply, energy infrastructure, and the rising cost of living.
The proposed protections are intended as a starting point for statewide standards. Haaland said they would not affect existing county moratoriums but would establish additional safeguards for communities across New Mexico.
Haaland’s proposed accountability measures
Haaland’s plan includes eight areas of protection:
Community transparency and benefits: Data center developers would be required to engage in open, meaningful discussions with communities before decisions are made. The proposal calls for an end to non-disclosure agreements that prevent public participation, as well as investments in schools, roads, infrastructure, workforce development, and other community priorities. Formal Tribal consultation, ongoing monitoring, community oversight, and enforcement by state agencies—including clawbacks when developers fail to fulfill their commitments—would also be required.
Protection from utility rate increases: Data centers would be required to develop their own renewable energy infrastructure to prevent their energy costs from being passed on to New Mexico residents and local communities. The proposal also seeks to improve energy reliability.
Water conservation: Haaland is calling for closed-loop cooling systems and the best available technology to protect the state’s water supply. The plan would impose penalties for excessive water use and waste.
Jobs for New Mexico workers: Data center projects would be expected to prioritize New Mexico workers and labor. The proposal calls for union jobs, prevailing wages, fringe benefits, and investments in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in partnership with labor unions. Developers would also establish in-state workforce targets to train workers and expand the local labor pool.
Renewable energy expansion: Data centers would have to meet New Mexico’s renewable energy and zero-carbon requirements. The plan would restrict access to economic incentives and require clawbacks if developers fail to meet those standards.
Clean air, land, and habitat: Developers would need comprehensive plans to prevent damage to water, air, land, and wildlife habitat. The proposal includes protections for communities disproportionately affected by development, along with adherence to clean air standards, noise limits, light pollution restrictions, and habitat protections.
Decommissioning requirements: Haaland is proposing that data center operators post decommissioning bonds to ensure they are responsible for cleaning up their facilities and restoring affected areas. The measure is intended to prevent abandoned infrastructure and environmental liabilities similar to those associated with orphaned oil and gas wells.
Community accountability: Data centers would have to exceed the proposed guardrails to qualify for assistance through state business programs. Developers that fail to honor their commitments would be required to repay state aid.
Haaland emphasizes water and environmental protection
“New Mexicans are right to be concerned about the fast-paced growth of data centers. Our communities should be protected. That’s why I support a moratorium on data centers until the state adopts clear and transparent accountability measures for this industry,” Haaland said.
“New Mexico has the opportunity to lead the way on how to protect our communities, safeguard our water, boost our economy, and sustain our environment for generations to come,” she added.
Haaland’s campaign said the proposal responds to concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding data center projects and the potential effects of rapid development on the state’s natural resources.
The former Interior secretary has made protecting New Mexico’s water, air, and land a central part of her campaign. Her campaign also pointed to her record in the Biden administration, where she directed more than $10 billion in investments to New Mexico through infrastructure projects, conservation initiatives, and clean energy programs.
According to the campaign, Haaland also directed $95 million toward water conservation projects during her tenure as Interior secretary.
The proposed moratorium and accountability plan are intended to establish statewide standards for data center development while ensuring that communities, workers, and New Mexico’s natural resources are protected.
