Oracle discloses $3.44 million in spending promoting Project Jupiter

Oracle, a tech giant involved in the Project Jupiter data center under construction in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, voluntarily disclosed over $3.4 million in spending earlier this year on a promotional campaign. This disclosure followed a State Ethics Commission investigation into the company's efforts to influence the New Mexico Environment Department's approval of an air quality permit for the project. The funds were paid to the political consulting firm BrabenderCox for media production, consulting, and polling.

The ethics commission described Oracle's campaign as likely the largest lobbying advertising effort ever disclosed in New Mexico. Oracle spokesperson Michael Egbert stated the company cooperated with the commission and aimed to provide accurate information about Project Jupiter's economic benefits to New Mexicans. Additionally, the commission reached a settlement with Elevate New Mexico, another organization supporting Project Jupiter, which received nearly $3.7 million from the project's developers, Yucca Growth Infrastructure LLC.

Project Jupiter faces significant opposition, including protests by groups like Youth United for Climate Crisis Action. The New Mexico Supreme Court recently paused state regulatory proceedings for both air quality and water use permits, responding to petitions from environmental groups citing a lack of due process. Elected officials have also grown critical, expressing concerns over projected emissions and water usage.

Despite substantial political contributions from Oracle, BorderPlex Digital Assets (another developer representative), and individuals tied to the project, Democratic lawmakers are planning to push for a statewide data center moratorium during the 2027 legislative session. House Speaker Javier Martínez indicated that contributions would not sway the caucus's stance, emphasizing their commitment to protecting New Mexico's water, land, and communities.