State senators press Project Jupiter concerns, announce Aug. 11 listening session
Four New Mexico state senators sharply criticized Project Jupiter, a data center project in Santa Teresa, raising concerns about its transparency, energy claims, and environmental impact on air and water quality. They announced an August 11 public listening session to address these issues and question state officials. The lawmakers expressed clear opposition to the project as currently proposed.
Four New Mexico state senators, including Carrie Hamblen, Joseph Cervantes, Bill Soules, and Jeff Steinborn, announced an August 11 public listening session to address concerns about the Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa. The lawmakers criticized the project's transparency, energy claims, potential air pollution, and risks to ratepayers, highlighting what they called an inadequate public process.
The senators, representing districts in the Las Cruces area, voiced strong opposition to the project, stating they share residents' concerns about environmental impacts on the Rio Grande, air quality, water usage, and the number of jobs being promoted. Senator Cervantes specifically criticized a previous public forum as a "job fair" rather than an informational session. Senator Soules raised questions about the project's shifting energy explanations, including its reliance on natural gas-powered fuel cells, and its economic claims. Senator Steinborn emphasized New Mexico's history as a "sacrifice zone" and warned against the project's potential to emit 10 million tons of CO2. He also criticized a loophole in the state's microgrid law that allows self-generated power plants to avoid renewable energy requirements, a loophole he believes benefits Project Jupiter.
The senators urged residents to submit public comments to the New Mexico Environment Department regarding the project's pending air permit, listed under Yucca Growth Infrastructure. They also committed to reintroducing the Microgrid Oversight Act, which aims to close legislative loopholes and require microgrids to meet renewable energy standards, during the next legislative session. Hamblen concluded by stating that while they support economic development, it should not come at the expense of local residents.