NEW MEXICO RISING
DATA CENTER
GUARDRAILS
FOR NEW MEXICO
Clear rules for water, energy, workers and communities.
Large data centers are becoming part of New Mexico’s economic-development conversation.
Semilla Action’s New Mexico Rising framework proposes statewide data center guardrails designed around a simple principle:
Growth should create opportunity without shifting costs or risks onto New Mexico communities.
The proposed framework focuses on water, electricity, ratepayers, jobs, transparency and natural resources.
TECHNOLOGY.
PEOPLE.
THRIVING TOGETHER.
Proposed Statewide Data Center Guardrails
Semilla Action’s current framework proposes applying baseline statewide requirements to large-load data centers with a peak electrical load greater than 20 megawatts.
1. Protect Ratepayers
Big energy users should pay the costs they create.
Semilla Action proposes dedicated large-load utility rules so infrastructure costs associated with data centers are not shifted onto families and small businesses.
2. Protect NM's Water
Know the water impact before development begins.
Developers would disclose where water comes from, how much they expect to use and how efficiently it will be used.
3. Set Clear Energy Standards
Large energy users should be part of New Mexico’s energy planning.
The proposed framework would establish clear renewable-energy, storage and grid requirements for large-load facilities and on-site generation.
4. Create Quality Jobs
Development should create opportunities for New Mexico workers.
Proposed standards include:
Good wages · Apprenticeships · Worker safety · Training · Local workforce opportunities
5. Limit Air Pollution
Backup power should not become an emissions loophole.
The framework proposes stronger review, monitoring and reporting for combustion-based backup generation while encouraging cleaner alternatives.
6. Require Transparency
Communities should know what is being proposed.
Developers would provide information about water, energy, emissions, land use and community impacts before major development decisions are made.
7. Protect Land & Wildlife
Development should account for its full footprint.
Covered projects would undergo natural-resource review and prepare plans to address identified wildlife and habitat impacts.
8. Raise the Bar for Public Incentives
Public investment should come with additional public benefit.
Additional requirements for companies seeking public support, potentially including:
New Mexico hiring · Strong wages · Apprenticeships · Water conservation · Clean energy · Community investment
One Framework.
Six Questions.
Who pays for the infrastructure?
How much water will it use?
What happens to electricity demand?
Will it create quality jobs?
What benefits stay in the community?
Can the public see and participate in the process?
PEOPLE.
PLACES.
POSSIBILITIES THAT LAST.