Alphabet Inc Class CGoogle is weighing a new data center in Lea County, NM, a potential capex project but only under consideration with no confirmed investment.

Google is considering building a new data center project in Lea County, New Mexico, with the company emphasizing community outreach as a key part of the development. In a blog post about the proposed project, Google said its goal in Lea County is to serve as a long-term partner, including responsibly managing vital water resources, paying for 100% of the energy it uses and the infrastructure it needs, and showing up as active members of the community. Google indicated it recognizes the pushback many communities have voiced regarding data center development, so it intends to begin the conversation with locals. Lea County sits in the western portion of the Permian Basin, which produces high volumes of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, and the area has significant gas-fired power generation and infrastructure. For years, oil and gas operators in the region have flared, or burned off, natural gas as they target the higher-value oil, and gas spot prices there have hit negatives due to the glut of natural gas associated with shale oil production.
Alphabet Inc Class CGoogle is weighing a new data center in Lea County, NM, a potential capex project but only under consideration with no confirmed investment.