Raton NM data center moratorium (rejected, 2026)
Raton, NM — City Commission Votes 3-2 Against a One-Year Data Center Moratorium Resolution Despite a 477-Signature Petition (failed to pass, September 2026)
Raton, NM · Raton, N.M., City Commission — one-year data center moratorium resolution, failed 3-2 (Sept. 2026)
- Status
- Expired
- Applies to
- N/A — measure failed
- Enforced by
- City of Raton
Raton's City Commission voted 3-2 in September 2026 against a resolution that would have imposed a one-year moratorium on business licenses and zoning approvals for data centers while the city drafts a data center ordinance. Before the vote a resident submitted a petition with 477 signatures opposing data centers. Commissioners voting no said the city-owned electric and water utilities already limit what a data center could get, raised concerns about legality and existing data centers, and said an ordinance is the better way to regulate. This entry records a measure that did NOT pass; no moratorium is in effect in Raton.
Who is protected: N/A — measure failed
Legal detail
NON-ADOPTION RECORD. Resolution: temporary ONE-YEAR moratorium on issuance of business licenses and zoning approvals for data centers, pending adoption of a regulatory ordinance (KRTN). FAILED 3-2 (KRTN): NO — Commissioner Dan (Daniel) Campbell, Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Honeyfield, Mayor Lori Chatterley; YES — Commissioners Lindé Schuster (moved) and Sally Hoger (seconded). Campbell cited Raton Public Service / Raton Water Works safeguards and limited generation and surface water, and did not want Raton to be the first NM municipality to pass one; Honeyfield cited existing facilities (CenturyLink) and lack of legal review; Chatterley said an ordinance is the best way to regulate and noted the earlier MOU with Atterix. City Manager Segotta: staff not involved in final preparation of the document. Petition submitted during public comment by resident Kimberly/Kimberle Burke with 477 qualifying signatures (KRTN; CPR: 'hundreds'). CPR: Colfax County passed its own moratorium the prior month, which does not apply in incorporated Raton. NOT ESTABLISHED: exact meeting date (KRTN article dated 2026-09-22), resolution number, ordinance timeline.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Raton, NM |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Citation | Raton, N.M., City Commission — one-year data center moratorium resolution, failed 3-2 (Sept. 2026) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | N/A — measure failed |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| News report | Raton City Commission Turns Down Data Center Moratorium — KRTN (Sept. 22, 2026) |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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