Google considers new data center in Lea County

By: Claire Reynolds Date: September 16, 2026

Google said it is considering building a new data center in the southeast New Mexico county, announcing the possible project this week. The company said the center would pay for its own energy use and would manage water responsibly, according to a statement to KRQE News.

A Google spokesperson said the company is in the early stages of exploring a Lea County data center and has not made a final decision. The spokesperson said Google is working with state and local leaders to make sure the potential project would benefit local residents. The center would use a closed-loop, air-cooled system with less water use and would use renewable energy, the spokesperson said.

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

The county did not interview with KRQE News but said in a statement that with restrictions on lighting, sound, energy use and water, the county believes it is worthwhile to evaluate the project. Lea County commissioners could discuss the project again during a meeting late next week.

Not everyone supports the idea. Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) said she wants the project paused until residents have input.

“Lea County deserves the same protections that every New Mexico community deserves. Answers before an approval, not after. That’s what I’m hoping for in this case is that whether or not people in the southeastern part of the state support a data center in their community, that they be treated differently and that they actually get to have a say on whether or not they want that,” said Rep. Angelica Rubio, (D-Las Cruces).

Sen. Jim Townsend (R-Alamogordo) said he supports the idea, pointing to potential jobs in the area.

“I think data centers are like a lot of other industries; they have grown and come a long way. They have become more efficient, more environmentally sensitive. They like most industries, have grown up over time,” said Sen. Townsend.