Google Eyes Data Center Project in Lea County Amid Local Concerns

New Mexico may be getting another data center as Google considers building one in Lea County. The company announced this week that they are exploring a potential project, but have not made a final decision yet.

According to Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), Lea County residents should have a say in whether or not the data center is built. She expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability from Google and other companies building large-scale projects in the state.

However, Sen. Jim Townsend (R-Alamogordo) supports the idea of a data center in Lea County, citing its potential to bring jobs to the area. He believes that data centers have become more efficient and environmentally sensitive over time.

The land under consideration is owned by Lea County and is currently under an option-to-purchase agreement with Excelsior Hobbs Power LLC, who is partnering with Google. Before any sale can be finalized, the New Mexico State Board of Finance must review and consider the transaction.