New Mexico Voters Have Supported Data Center Ban
A recent poll indicates that a majority of residents in New Mexico oppose the construction of new data centers.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Should your local community place a ban on the construction of new data centers?
A SurveyUSA poll found that 55 percent of New Mexico residents support a ban on new data center developments. The survey, which reached 800 people, highlighted significant public skepticism regarding the industry.
Why it matters
The findings underscore growing public pushback against large-scale infrastructure projects that carry environmental and resource-usage concerns. This shift in sentiment complicates development efforts for major tech firms seeking to expand their operational capacity in the state.
The survey of 800 New Mexicans revealed that 30 percent of respondents would support facilities if given environmental assurances, while 25 percent remained opposed regardless of conditions. These metrics frame the public perception challenges facing projects like the Oracle Project Jupiter proposal.
The players
SurveyUSA
This public opinion research firm conducted the poll on behalf of the news organization KOB 4.
Oracle
This global technology corporation is currently pursuing the Project Jupiter data center proposal in southern New Mexico.
KOB 4
Based in Albuquerque, this news organization commissioned the survey to gauge local sentiment on data center expansion.
The details
The polling data reflects a notable divide in how residents perceive the value of tech infrastructure versus its physical footprint in southern New Mexico. While a minority of residents favor new construction, the overwhelming majority expressed a desire for a moratorium on future growth.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Publication of the poll results.
The Tech Race
The pushback against data centers marks a departure from historical acceptance of tech infrastructure, where speed of deployment was once prioritized over public feedback. This trend reflects a broader industry shift as firms face increased local scrutiny regarding water and energy usage.
Residents may see increased public hearings and legislative debates as local government officials respond to the high levels of opposition documented in this survey. These developments could alter the timeline and location feasibility for future tech expansions in the state.
The takeaway
The poll indicates a clear preference for heightened environmental oversight among New Mexico residents. Future development success in the state will likely require tech companies to address these specific resource concerns to move beyond current levels of public opposition.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure debate in Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
Live Poll
Should your local community place a ban on the construction of new data centers?
