Environmental groups file protest against pipeline to power Project Jupiter

Environmental organizations are protesting a proposed natural gas pipeline intended to supply power to 'Project Jupiter', an AI data center in Southern New Mexico. The 17-mile Green Chile Pipeline, a $60.2 million project by Transwestern Pipeline Company, would run through Southern Doña Ana County, transferring natural gas to the data center's power plant. In March, the New Mexico State Land Commissioner denied Transwestern Pipeline Company's request to build a section of the pipeline on state land, forcing a reroute. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, subsequently filed a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against Transwestern's attempt to fast-track construction using a "Blanket Certificate" permit. They are demanding a full environmental review of both the pipeline and the power plant. Environmental lawyer David Baake, representing the Sierra Club, expressed concerns that the proposed power plant would become the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in New Mexico, potentially emitting more than double the pollution of Albuquerque and Las Cruces combined. He also highlighted the additional air pollution from the pipeline's compressor stations, citing potential violations of the Clean Air Act. While Transwestern Pipeline Company, through documents made available by Energy Transfer, claims the project will not significantly impact human health or the environment, environmentalists seek to minimize its overall environmental footprint. In a related development, Oracle, BorderPlex, and Bloom Energy announced that Project Jupiter will utilize an updated power design featuring Energy Fuel cells, which they state will "dramatically reduce water use and protect local air quality." The Environmental Department is slated to conduct a full environmental review by July 21st, with public hearings expected before then.