Demonstrators arrested, jobs promised at rowdy Project Jupiter meeting
A contentious Doña Ana County meeting regarding Project Jupiter, a massive data center, saw three arrests amid clashes between proponents and opponents. Oracle and STACK Infrastructure officials provided updates on job creation, water usage, and fuel cells, while facing scrutiny over transparency and environmental impact. The project's critical air quality permit application is pending a decision by the New Mexico Environment Department following an upcoming public hearing.
A Doña Ana County meeting concerning the Project Jupiter data center descended into chaos, leading to three arrests as protestors clashed with law enforcement and supporters. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Vice President Mahesh Thiagarajan announced that the project is expected to create 7,000 construction, fiber, and power generation jobs at its peak, detailing plans for water, fueling, and community impact.
Project Jupiter, part of Oracle's $500 billion Stargate initiative for AI infrastructure, faces significant opposition over transparency, environmental concerns regarding emissions, and water usage. Activists carried signs such as "Let Santa Teresa Breathe" and "We Can’t Drink Data." The Foundation for Open Government has filed a lawsuit against Doña Ana County, alleging an Open Meetings Act violation related to a $165 billion industrial revenue bond pledge for Project Jupiter.
The data center's next major regulatory hurdle is an air quality permit application with the New Mexico Environment Department, which is expected to decide by November 23 following an October public hearing. Thiagarajan, along with STACK Infrastructure Chief Development Officer Bobby Hollis, provided updates to the commission after 11 months of requests for direct engagement. Commissioner Susie Kimble expressed frustration over mixed messaging from the companies and lack of transparency regarding job reports and environmental impact data, echoing constituents' demands for more information on air, water, noise, and heat effects.
Thiagarajan warned that without the air quality permit or an alternative grid connection, Oracle would have to halt work on the project. State Representative Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) criticized the county commission, stating that public comment was suppressed and calling for charges against arrested demonstrators to be dropped and for the restoration of meaningful public comment.