New tensions flare over massive data center ‘Project Jupiter’ in southern New Mexico
New tensions have erupted in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, over the massive 'Project Jupiter' data center. Residents opposing the project are frustrated by a change from a planned town hall to a private open house and job fair, where they feel serious concerns about environmental impact and project size will not be adequately addressed.
Doña Ana County, New Mexico, is experiencing heightened tensions surrounding the 'Project Jupiter' data center, with local residents expressing outrage over what they perceive as a bait-and-switch regarding community engagement. Opponents, who had anticipated a public town hall to address concerns about the project's scale and environmental impact, discovered an upcoming meeting will instead be a private open house and job fair hosted by the developers.
During a recent Doña Ana County Commission meeting, residents displayed signs reading 'We can’t drink data' and 'Let Santa Theresa breathe,' demanding a genuine public forum. Commissioners Manuel Sancehez and Susanna Chaparro expressed differing views on the open house's effectiveness, with Chaparro likening the change from serious discussion to 'una fiesta, una feria, a fair.'
Oracle, speaking on behalf of Project Jupiter, stated the June 17 event is designed for maximum community participation, offering direct access to project representatives for questions on economic benefits, workforce opportunities, power, and water usage. The company emphasized that this open house does not replace or alter any regulatory process. Doña Ana County, which had previously approved billions of dollars in bonds for Project Jupiter, has committed to launching a public comment website in the coming weeks.