Tensions increase over tight timeline for Project Jupiter's air quality permit
Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa faces growing opposition and regulatory uncertainty over an air quality permit for a natural-gas fuel cell plant intended to power the data center. The New Mexico Environment Department has raised concerns that the revised application cannot be fully reviewed on the current timeline, while a public hearing remains scheduled for the week of Dec. 7 in Sunland Park.
Project Jupiter, a large data center under construction in Santa Teresa, remains without an air quality permit for its fuel cell power system. The New Mexico Environment Department said technical changes to the proposal, including revised emissions projections and questions about Bloom Energy fuel cells, may make it impossible to complete its review before the scheduled public hearing notice deadline.
Despite those concerns, the department and hearing officer James O. Browning have not dismissed the revised application or formally delayed the hearing. New Energy Economy, represented by executive director Mariel Nanasi and attorney Christopher Dodd, criticized the agency and developer for pressing ahead despite what it called an incomplete and changing application. Oracle is the primary company behind the project, while Yucca Growth Infrastructure is developing the power infrastructure. Doña Ana County commissioners also agreed to notify the developers that they had breached their agreement with the county.