Paul Gessing is the president of the Rio Grande Foundation, a New Mexico-based free-market public policy organization focused on limited government, economic freedom, and individual responsibility. Gessing has led the organization since 2006 and is a frequent commentator on tax policy, energy, healthcare, education, and government transparency issues in New Mexico. He has written for numerous policy publications and media outlets and regularly appears in radio, podcast, and television interviews discussing state and national public policy issues.
Topics
Appearances (1)
2026-05-26
The Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing Discusses Data Centers and Energy Policy in New MexicoIn the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast, Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, discusses data centers and energy policy in New Mexico. Gessing highlights the state's potential for data center development due to its natural resources and stable environment, while also addressing the challenges posed by political opposition and environmental concerns. The conversation touches on the impact of energy policies, including the Energy Transition Act, and the role of water resources in supporting data center operations.
Notable quotes
“We have such an opportunity right now in multiple ways. The oil and gas revenue, we could be cutting taxes, doing all these things.”
“The microgrid bill was genius, truly. It created a situation where they can have this reliable energy source right there associated with that data center.”
“Data centers are big consumers of electricity. There's no getting around that.”
“We are living in a desert, the high desert of the American Southwest, and water is a factor in the data centers.”
“My experience with a lot of these radical environmental organizations is that they just don't like economic development.”
“Overall, we're supportive of them, which does put us on the side of a governor that we've crossed swords with many, many times.”
