Project Jupiter Update Leads to Scuffle and Arrests in Santa Teresa, New Mexico
A presentation by Oracle and Stack Infrastructure on their Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, resulted in a scuffle and three arrests amidst ongoing public opposition. Developers presented job reports and economic impact, while addressing concerns about environmental consequences, permits, and power supply. The project is seeking an air quality permit and faces challenges with a rejected natural gas pipeline application.
A scheduled presentation by Oracle and Stack Infrastructure regarding their controversial "Project Jupiter" data center in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, devolved into a scuffle and resulted in three arrests. The event, held before the Doña Ana County Commissioners, saw chambers packed with both opponents and proponents of the facility, which is being built for Oracle and OpenAI for AI model training. Opponents voiced concerns about the project's transparency, environmental impact on the rural border community, and the broader implications of AI technology, calling for public incentives to be revoked.
Developers, including Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Vice President Mahesh Thiagarajan and Stack's Chief Development Officer Bobby Hollis, presented on job creation, local hires, and the project's significant economic impact, including a projected $4.7 billion in long-term benefits and a $50 million commitment to county water infrastructure. They reported nearly 3,000 workers at peak, with promises to increase local residency among the workforce. However, Commissioners complained about the late submission of these reports.
Environmental issues remain a point of contention. The project is seeking an air quality permit for a natural gas-reliant microgrid, with a hearing set for October. Separately, the State Land Office recently rejected an application for a natural gas pipeline to the site. Thiagarajan admitted there was no immediate contingency plan if the air quality permit is denied, potentially requiring power purchases from El Paso Electric or even halting work.