Anti-data center activity: Here’s Tara Jaramillo’s letter to us about why we should write to the NM Legislative Finance Committee. We need to email them and ask them not to let Tech build this data center. Emails at end of letter:
“Is AI here to stay? Probably. But that does not mean every community must accept massive data center development.
New Mexico is under increasing pressure to move toward “clean energy” and reduce dependence on oil and gas revenue. That shift is likely part of why large-scale data centers are being promoted across the state.
Unfortunately, I believe NMT — as a state institution — may have been caught up in a broader state-driven push for economic diversification without fully weighing the level of community concern and pushback these projects are creating. This idea was not created in a vacuum and would not be moving forward if NMT did not believe they had support from the State.
This is not about opposing innovation or economic growth. It is about responsible planning, transparency, and making sure New Mexico communities are not ignored in the process. Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, and residents deserve honest conversations about the long-term impacts before decisions are made behind closed doors.
It is imperative that Santa Fe hears from you. Decisions will likely be made long before the legislative session begins in January.
The Legislative Finance Committee meets year-round, not just during the legislative session. Summer and fall meetings are often where priorities, funding assumptions, and political momentum are built before January bills are finalized. That makes early constituent outreach strategically important.
Do not underestimate your power in Santa Fe — but also understand that lobbyists, industry groups, and unions have already been hard at work convincing state leaders that New Mexico “needs” these projects.
That is why each of us must start reaching out now to our House and Senate members — especially the State Legislative Finance Committee this summer — to make sure they understand that many New Mexicans do not want our state turned into a testing ground for the AI and data center industry. Community consent, transparency, and full accountability should have been the first consideration, not the afterthought.
Please also remember: constructive and respectful communication leads to better outcomes. Our voices are strongest when we remain informed, professional, and united in advocating for our communities.The general email for the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee is:
lfc@nmlegis.Legislative Finance Committee emails:
Harlan.Vincent@nmlegis.govPat.Woods@nmlegis.gov”
4. If you haven’t done so already, do write letters to the NM Tech Regents too. I saved postage by dropping them off at Brown Hall at Tech, upstairs in Room 201.
Regents’ names and address:
801 Leroy Place, Socorro NM 87801
a. President Michael Jackson
b. David Lepre, President of Regents
c. Jerry A. Armijo, VP
d. Yolanda Jones King, Sec.Tre.
e. Srinivas Mukkamala
f. Cody Johnston, Student member
Here’s my sample letter:
Srinivas Mukkamala
Brown Hall
May 19, 2026
Dear Mr. Mukkamala,
I’m a Socorro resident and adjunct faculty at Tech. I don’t want a data center or huge solar array erected in Socorro County. I’ve heard the facts, and I don’t need any more facts or monthly meetings or explanations from Green Data or Jason Bak. The environmental damage would be irreparable, and the city and county don’t stand to benefit from this project.
Please help nix this dangerous idea.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christie Smith