Santa Fe County commissioners have approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center development to evaluate potential impacts on resources and the environment. During the suspension, county leaders will research data center water use, e-waste, noise, and electricity costs.
Concerns from Residents
Residents shared their concerns during public comment. Santa Fe County resident Glenn Wikle described data centers as ‘other-worldly limited access warehouses that are full of high-powered electronics and a never-ending drone of cooling fans.’ Paulina Perez urged reflection on the broader implications, saying, ‘I just want everyone in the room to take a moment and realize this will impact the future of New Mexico, so I would like everyone to think what is the legacy that we’re going to leave our children.’
Santa Fe is the second county in New Mexico to implement a suspension on new data centers, following Socorro County, which approved a similar measure last month.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.