Retired judge to oversee Project Jupiter permit hearing
Retired federal Judge James Browning was appointed to oversee the air quality permit hearing for Yucca Growth Infrastructure’s Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa. The project’s proposed methane-powered fuel cell system would generate electricity for the facility, while opponents’ petitions previously prompted a temporary pause in the proceedings.
New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney appointed retired federal Judge James Browning as the hearing officer for the air quality permit application tied to Project Jupiter, a data center under construction in Santa Teresa. Browning replaces Max Shepherd, who recused himself after disputes over the hearing schedule and pre-hearing filings.
The permit covers methane-powered fuel cells that Yucca Growth Infrastructure says would provide electricity for the facility, which is intended to serve Oracle and OpenAI. The state Supreme Court temporarily halted the permit proceedings after opponents filed petitions, but lifted the stay in September. A new hearing date has not been announced, though a scheduling conference may be held in Doña Ana County.