Opinion: Project Jupiter Data Center Faces Environmental Scrutiny in New Mexico
Lisa Silva, an environmental educator, argues that the proposed Project Jupiter data center in New Mexico, developed by Oracle, should have its air permit denied by the Air Quality Bureau. She cites concerns over noise, carbon emissions, the creation of a data heat island effect, and significant water demands in a drought-stricken state. Silva emphasizes the negative impacts on the local, predominantly Latino and working-class population.
Environmental educator Lisa Silva has voiced strong opposition to Project Jupiter, a proposed data center by Oracle in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. In an opinion piece, Silva contends that the New Mexico Air Quality Bureau should deny the project's air permit due to severe environmental and community impacts.
Silva highlights four primary concerns: significant noise pollution from 24/7 generator operation, which she claims could reach 100 decibels and cause infrasound-related health issues for the local population of 21,000; the solid oxide fuel-cell power plant's projected annual emissions of 8.8 million tons of carbon dioxide, exceeding that of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces combined, along with other toxic pollutants; the potential for a "data heat island effect" that could raise local land-surface temperatures by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit; and the substantial water demands, including a 10 million-gallon initial fill and 7.3 million gallons annually, in a state already facing drought conditions.
Silva criticizes past approvals and the current permit review, suggesting these impacts "shoulda" been sufficient cause for denial. She particularly questions the siting of the facility near the Rio Grande given its water needs. Silva urges regulators to prioritize the quality of life for New Mexico residents over the project's projected revenue.