The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Socorro County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Socorro County’s enacted one-year moratorium blocks new data centers and related infrastructure on unincorporated county land; committee recommendations are nonbinding.
Rating from New Mexico statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Socorro County.
Specific to Socorro County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasReporting confirms that Socorro County commissioners unanimously adopted a yearlong moratorium on data centers and related infrastructure projects on June 9, 2026.Socorro County one-year Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
A one-year moratorium would block new data centers and related infrastructure on unincorporated Socorro County land, making development substantially harder during that period (prohibiting data center developments on unincorporated county land for a year). The committee’s recommendations would be nonbinding, so they do not offset that restriction.
Timing
Reported one-year prohibition on data-center developments on unincorporated county land; exact effective date and calendar sunset are unverified. The advisory committee reportedly dissolves automatically upon expiration of the moratorium, subject to earlier dissolution by commissioners. Extension procedure is not confirmed against primary adopted text.
People behind it
- Joe Chavez
Socorro County manager; July reporting says the committee is limited to fifteen members appointed by the county manager.
- Gabe Vasquez
U.S. representative who called on county leaders to pass the moratorium; not identified here as an ordinance sponsor or adopting official.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Reported yearlong moratorium on data centers and related infrastructure projects, with coverage described as unincorporated county land. Precise project definitions and exceptions are unverified.
Sources
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