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Residents and unions clash at Doña Ana County public input over Project Jupiter data‑center plans
Summary
Dozens spoke during public comment at the May 26 meeting. Opponents demanded additional hearings and raised water, environmental and procedural concerns about Project Jupiter; labor unions and some business speakers defended the project for jobs and infrastructure investment.
Doña Ana County’s May 26 public comment period drew a large crowd pressing the commission on Project Jupiter, a planned large‑scale data‑center campus in Santa Teresa. Speakers were sharply divided: residents, environmental groups and community organizers urged the board to halt approvals, demand town‑hall‑style hearings in affected neighborhoods and revoke industrial revenue bonds; union representatives and project proponents said the campus will create thousands of construction jobs and long‑term economic benefits.
Senator Jeff Steinborn, who identified himself as both a state senator and a film‑industry advocate, opened the public‑comment block by asking the commission to accommodate speakers and to hold a community forum. Numerous residents described concerns about the proposal’s water use and argued the project had been advanced without sufficient local input. One speaker said, “We have no water to give,” urging the board to reconsider the IRB approval and to host public hearings in Santa Teresa with Spanish translation.
Project supporters included representatives from construction trades and unions who urged the commission to back the project for its promise of work for local tradespeople. A union speaker told the board the project represents “much needed economic growth” and might provide “steady work for local families.” Another supporter said Project Jupiter includes up to $50 million of investment for local water infrastructure improvements, which the speaker said would benefit the community.
Why it matters: Testimony illuminated deep divisions within the county over the project’s promise of jobs versus concerns about water demand, environmental impacts, regulatory compliance and community engagement. Several speakers said they wanted the county to host an accessible, Spanish‑language forum in Santa Teresa; county staff confirmed a June 18 meeting window but said the exact site was still being finalized.
What officials said: County staff and the commission acknowledged public concerns and reiterated plans to hold a public meeting in the Sunland Park/Santa Teresa area. Staff representatives said they were coordinating logistics (a large venue and outdoor options) and expected to announce details within days. Commissioners said they would forward constituent feedback to state agencies and continue to monitor the project’s commitments and mitigation measures.
Next steps: The commission said it will publish meeting logistics for the June community forum and notify the public. Several speakers asked the board to consider a moratorium on data‑center approvals until more local input and environmental review are complete; commissioners did not adopt a moratorium at the meeting.
