Hundreds pack Project Jupiter town hall at NMSU as senators back data center moratorium
Hundreds attended a town hall in Las Cruces where New Mexico lawmakers endorsed a proposed moratorium on data centers amidst strong opposition to Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa. Residents raised concerns about groundwater, air quality, and alleged political betrayal regarding the Oracle and OpenAI data center project. Lawmakers pledged to carry a moratorium bill and introduce regulations for microgrid power facilities.
Over 400 residents gathered at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces for a town hall focused on Project Jupiter, a large artificial intelligence data center under construction in Santa Teresa by Oracle Corp. and OpenAI. Four Democratic state senators from Las Cruces, including Carrie Hamblen, Joseph Cervantes, Bill Soules, and Jeff Steinborn, moderated the session after Doña Ana County leadership failed to host a promised meeting.
Residents voiced overwhelming opposition to Project Jupiter, citing concerns over potential negative impacts on groundwater and air quality, including projections of 10 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly. Many expressed a lack of trust in local and state political leadership, alleging that infrastructure for Sunland Park and Santa Teresa areas was being neglected in favor of industry. Some called for a halt to the project and an investigation into local government approvals by the Office of the State Auditor.
In response to public outcry, Senator Hamblen announced plans to introduce a data center moratorium bill in the Senate during the 2027 legislative session, mirroring efforts by state House members. Senator Steinborn vowed to amend regulations for microgrid power facilities to mandate renewable energy sources, prevent utilities from passing on microgrid power costs to ratepayers, and grant oversight to the Public Regulation Commission. Senator Soules emphasized the need for financial bonds from developers to ensure remediation if projects fail.
Oracle responded to the concerns, stating Project Jupiter is committed to responsible growth in New Mexico, creating economic opportunity, and respecting natural resources, while pledging to continue engaging with the community. The Governor's Office maintained that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham does not interfere in state agencies' regulatory decisions but expects data centers to meet rigorous environmental and water use standards. A public hearing by the Environment Department regarding Yucca Growth Infrastructure's air quality permit for Project Jupiter is scheduled for September 14 in Sunland Park.