Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — More New Mexicans are pushing back against data centers in their neighborhood. Residents in Raton are taking a stand after city commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding in February. That MOU allowed Colorado-based Atterix to conduct a 6-month feasibility study, exploring the potential development of an advanced digital hub infrastructure project. More than 100 residents have joined the group, “Protect Our Resources”, to pressure city leaders to stop or at least slow down the project. The first phase would convert an old Kmart on the south side of town into a new data center, using up to five megawatts of electricity at full capacity, which is enough electricity to power at least 3,000 homes. Raton city manager Neil Segotta says that while they don’t expect this project to provide many new jobs, and they have concerns about natural resources, they still see it as an economic opportunity.
