Protest held in Santa Fe against Project Jupiter data center
A protest was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, targeting state officials over the Project Jupiter data center being built near Santa Teresa. Opponents raised concerns about the project's high water and energy demands and alleged a "web of corruption" in the permitting process. The demonstration, led by Youth United for Climate Crisis Action, sought to slow the approval process for the controversial facility.
Dozens of protesters, organized by Youth United for Climate Crisis Action (YUCCA), gathered at the New Mexico Environment Department offices in Santa Fe to voice strong opposition to Project Jupiter, a hyperscaler data center under construction near Santa Teresa. The demonstration, which included skits and songs, targeted state officials, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, alleging a "web of corruption" and lack of transparency in the project's permitting process. Critics highlighted the data center's substantial water and energy demands, questioning the expedited government approvals.
Sunland Park resident Irene Rodriguez traveled to the capital to express her concerns about the project's proximity to her home, advocating for continued resistance. Jonathan Juárez, a YUCCA organizer, criticized the fossil fuel-reliant development, which he claims was negotiated behind closed doors and fast-tracked, leading to thousands of public comments urging the Environment Department to reject the permit. The group also challenged the perceived influence of developers, who have launched a campaign to garner support through ads and promises of local investments.
A key focus of the protest was a skit lampooning officials like hearing officer Max Shepherd, who reversed a public hearing date after attorneys for Project Jupiter's primary tenant, Oracle, met with Governor Lujan Grisham. Environmental advocates, citing a "lack of due process," accuse the governor and her appointees of paving an easier path for the project. Protesters, including Zephyr Jaramillo, emphasized that the data center's progression is the result of multiple government decisions affecting air, water, and land, pledging to continue scrutinizing the process. A petition argues the water drilling authorization was issued in violation of state law.