New Mexico is at a crossroads—one defined not by scarcity, but by possibility. Across the country, communities are competing to attract data centers, advanced computing facilities, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. These projects are reshaping local economies, strengthening national security, and creating high-quality jobs. New Mexico has every reason to be part of that future—but only if we are willing to engage fully, thoughtfully, and together.

What these opportunities require most is not a single vote or a one-time decision. They require sustained participation. Communities must understand from the beginning that projects of this scale unfold over time, through multiple public processes, approvals, and conversations. Engagement does not end after a ribbon cutting—or after a commission meeting. It continues throughout the life of the project.

Why Being at the Table Matters

For communities across New Mexico, one of the most important lessons is this: if we are not at the table, someone else will speak for us. Too often, outside activist groups step into local conversations with broad claims, vague warnings, and just enough ambiguity to create fear—but not enough specificity to offer solutions.

Healthy skepticism is part of democracy. But blanket opposition—especially from groups with no direct ties to our communities—should always be taken with care. Local residents, landowners, workers, educators, and elected officials deserve the opportunity to hear facts, ask questions, and weigh trade-offs themselves. No single voice can represent an entire community, and no outside organization should claim that authority.

Economic Development Is a Tool, Not a Giveaway

One of the most common misunderstandings around data centers and AI infrastructure is how economic development works. These projects are often portrayed as “giveaways” or backroom deals. In reality, economic development is complex, negotiated, and deeply contextual.

Local governments may choose to forego certain revenues in the near term to help anchor a major employer—one that brings payroll, long-term investment, and secondary economic activity. Those employees need housing, food, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and local services. Over time, the community benefits in ways that are often far more meaningful than a single tax line item.

These decisions are not made lightly. City councils, county commissions, and other local officials are tasked with negotiating on behalf of their communities. Doing so is not improper—it is their job. Transparency and accountability matter, but so does recognizing that not every conversation can include every interest group that wants a seat.

Respecting Property Rights and Local Values

Another essential principle is respect for private property rights. New Mexico has a long tradition of land stewardship—across ranching, farming, energy production, and conservation. Data centers and supporting infrastructure do not change that reality; they add to it.

Every project involves trade-offs. The question is not whether trade-offs exist, but whether communities are empowered to evaluate them honestly. When local landowners and residents are respected as decision-makers, projects are stronger and outcomes are better.

Why New Mexico Is Uniquely Positioned

New Mexico is not starting from scratch. We are home to world-class institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, major military installations, and an extraordinary concentration of scientists, engineers, and skilled workers. We lead the nation in sunlight, have vast open landscapes, and possess deep expertise in energy, materials, and computing.

We also have a strong agricultural base, a long history of natural resource development, and communities that understand what it means to work with the land—not against it. These strengths position New Mexico as a natural home for the next generation of energy-enabled industries, including AI and advanced computing.

Energy, Innovation, and Global Context

There is no serious path to AI, data centers, or advanced manufacturing without energy—reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean. The global demand for energy is growing, regardless of what any single state or country decides to do. The real choice is whether that energy is produced using the best technology available, or the most convenient.

Innovation does not happen by shutting everything down. It happens by engaging researchers, engineers, environmental scientists, and communities in the same conversation. New Mexico has the universities, laboratories, and workforce to do this responsibly—if we allow ourselves to lead instead of retreat.

Climate-related risks are real, but they must be understood in context. Risk exists in every aspect of modern life. Progress comes from managing those risks intelligently, not from avoiding progress altogether.

A Call to Participate, Not Sit Idle

If we want our children and grandchildren to find opportunity here—rather than moving elsewhere—we must be willing to do the work. That means permitting projects. It means ensuring laws function as intended. It means consulting environmental scientists and engineers while also recognizing the urgency of growing demand.

Prosperity does not arrive on its own. It is built—carefully, collaboratively, and with intention.

Data centers and AI infrastructure represent one of the most significant opportunities New Mexico has seen in generations. But opportunity alone is not enough. It requires communities of every region, background, and perspective to show up, stay engaged, and help shape what comes next.

Doing nothing is still a choice—and it is one we can no longer afford.