Native American Tribes Divided Over Data Center Development Plans

The debate over data centers has become a contentious issue for Native American tribes in the US. Several high-profile candidates, including Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids, are being forced to take a stance on the matter.

Haaland, who is running for governor of New Mexico, initially said she didn't have the power to stop Project Jupiter, but later announced her support for a moratorium on new data center development until strong guardrails are in place.

This shift comes after it was revealed that Haaland's campaign received $87,200 in donations from Oracle and Clayco executives. A New Mexico climate justice petition is circulating, calling on Haaland to return the money and commit to no AI data centers, with no carveout for Project Jupiter.

Peltola, who is running for the U.S. Senate from Alaska, takes a different approach, saying she will take her cue from local support, but this may not be entirely accurate given the complex land ownership structures in the state.