Doña Ana County residents press commissioners for public meetings, question ‘Project Jupiter’ incentives
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Summary
Residents from multiple districts urged the Doña Ana County Commission on March 10 to hold public meetings about Project Jupiter, raising concerns about water use, air emissions, tax incentives and developer secrecy; commissioners agreed to schedule broader community sessions with developers and regulators.
Several dozen residents urged the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners on March 10 to convene public meetings about a proposed large data‑center development known locally as Project Jupiter, saying the project could harm water supplies, air quality and long‑term local jobs.
"There is no reason to trust this industry at all," said Annie Erzinghaus, a resident who asked how much water each microgrid will use and where closed‑loop waste will be disposed. Restoration ecologist Nisha Micaniewicz said commissioners "sold the county out" by approving large incentives without clawbacks and called for a public forum with the developers and regulators present.
Commissioners heard repeated requests for transparency and specific technical answers — on water consumption, emissions, and the scope of tax breaks — and multiple speakers cited circulation of pro‑project marketing that they said lacked clear funding or sponsor disclosures. "Who paid for it?" one speaker asked of postcards and billboards promoting the development.
Commissioner Chaparro said he has heard residents' concerns for months and urged a public meeting that includes Project Jupiter entities and regulators to answer technical questions. Commissioner Kimball and Vice Chair Gomez also said they were willing to meet with constituents and to host sessions that include developer representatives so attendees can ask detailed questions.
County staff said they will schedule meetings with ample notice and attempts to include all parties. County Manager Scott Andrews said staff will coordinate with developer teams, regulators and community leaders so technical questions can be addressed in public.
The comments came during the meeting's public‑comment period and were followed by a commission discussion in which multiple members emphasized the need for respectful, well‑publicized forums. The board did not take formal action on Project Jupiter at the meeting but instructed staff to work on scheduling public sessions over the coming weeks and to invite the developers and relevant state agencies to participate.