Residents dressed as clowns oppose Project Jupiter at Doña Ana County meeting
Community members, some dressed as clowns, voiced strong opposition to Oracle's Project Jupiter data center at a Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners meeting. Concerns included the project's water consumption, alleged falsified job reports, and an ongoing New Mexico Department of Justice investigation into fake public comments. The county announced plans for a town hall committee to address constituent questions.
Residents of Doña Ana County, New Mexico, expressed significant opposition to Oracle's Project Jupiter data center during a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. Several community members, some wearing clown costumes to symbolize their view of the project as a "joke," spoke during public comment. Speakers like Annie Ersinghaus criticized county officials for allowing a project they believe is detrimental to the region's future and culture, particularly regarding water consumption in the Santa Teresa area.
Key issues raised by the opposition included the alleged failure of county officials to hold Project Jupiter leaders accountable for a lack of quarterly job reports. Constituents also highlighted an ongoing investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice into alleged falsified comments submitted in support of Oracle's project. One speaker called for a ban on data centers, emphasizing the continuous construction and water draw from the region's aquifer.
Following public comments, Board Chair Manuel Sanchez addressed the NMDOJ investigation, confirming that Oracle has committed to cooperating. Denisse Carter, the county's Director of Economic Development, provided an update on Project Jupiter, noting that construction reached over 2,200 jobs by June 2026, with 20% being New Mexico residents. She also mentioned collaborations with Doña Ana Community College for training critical operations positions, aiming for 750 full-time jobs.
Carter also announced the county's plan to create an 11-member town hall committee, comprised of constituents, to help plan an upcoming town hall, review submitted questions, and identify subject matter experts. She also stated that the environmental assessment provided by Project Jupiter in August 2025 meets current requirements. Project Jupiter representatives are expected to deliver a report to commissioners on July 28. The county has also launched a webpage providing information on the project.