New Report Examines Tradeoffs of Massive Data Center Projects, Public Briefing Scheduled for June 26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albuquerque — Today ProgressNow New Mexico released a detailed new report mapping current and pending data center projects while also examining water use, electricity demand, pollution, jobs, transparency, and tax breaks.
The report, “The Hidden Cost of AI: What Data Centers Mean for New Mexico,” looks at questions around who benefits from these projects, who pays the costs, and the tradeoffs New Mexicans face as major technology companies build massive facilities that consume electricity and water in exchange for promises of jobs and economic growth.
“Large scale data centers come with tradeoffs just like any major economic development project,” said Joe Cardillo, Deputy Director of ProgressNow New Mexico. “Transparency is key – New Mexicans deserve a real conversation about what these projects mean for our land, air, and water, and it’s equally critical to ensure local workers and communities get clear and legally enforceable agreements that put them on fair footing with wealthy corporations and tech executives.”
The report also features a set of introductory policy solutions for state, county, and local government leaders to consider. For example, requiring public hearings before approving major projects, establishing sunshine periods before approval decisions, setting premium fees for super users of water and electricity, using bonding to ensure wage promises are honored, and putting in place enforceable local hiring requirements.
“Policy makers at local and state levels can provide guardrails that protect our families when considering potential economic opportunities such as data centers,” said Alissa Barnes, Executive Director of ProgressNow New Mexico. “For example, closing the microgrid loophole would ensure large projects can’t bypass our clean energy law, and requiring water and electricity disclosure would let communities know actual resource consumption so informed decisions can be made.”
Public Briefing
Friday, June 26, 2026
10:00 to 10:45 AM
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qsoqAIXdTVK8a5I2t9Z7UQ#/registration
Read the Full Report: https://progressnownm.org/hidden-cost-ai-what-data-centers-mean-for-new-mexico-june-2026-report/
About ProgressNow New Mexico:
ProgressNow NM is the premier communications hub for the progressive movement in New Mexico. We fill a unique and critical role in the progressive infrastructure by working year-round with coalitions to promote progressive ideas and causes with creative, earned media strategies, digital organizing, and cutting-edge new media. We work to create an ongoing issue advocacy culture in New Mexico by focusing on amplifying the voices of those systemically excluded, ultimately giving communities the tools they need to shape their own future.