Oracle expands community outreach for Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa

Oracle is increasing its community outreach efforts for its Project Jupiter data center in the Santa Teresa Industrial Park, New Mexico. The company is engaging in door-to-door conversations, partnering with local voices, and expanding advertisements to inform residents about the project's benefits and operations. Julia Robin, Head of infrastructure planning and sourcing for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, stated that Project Jupiter is a significant long-term commitment to New Mexico, promising thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in investments for local schools, infrastructure, and community services.

Project Jupiter is projected to create over 4,000 construction jobs and 1,500 ongoing positions, generating an annual economic impact of $384 million during construction and $113 million post-completion. Oracle emphasized its innovative energy and water strategies, including funding all energy costs to stabilize residential electricity rates and implementing a cooling system that will not use the public drinking water supply. Instead, it will use a one-time initial fill of non-potable water, with maintenance water usage comparable to two U.S. households annually. The company has also committed significant funds to improve local water systems, support schools and infrastructure, and fund workforce development.

The project has faced scrutiny, with the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners adopting a resolution in April to seek clarification and updated information. Additionally, the New Mexico State Ethics Commission has filed a lawsuit against Project Jupiter, alleging an undisclosed advertising campaign aimed at influencing New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney, which reportedly cost $2,500.