Residents urge Taos County to withdraw support for Cuesta hydrogen project amid water and permitting concerns

Multiple residents urged the Taos County Commission to distance itself from a proposed green hydrogen and solar project near Cuesta, citing water scarcity, incomplete environmental review and unclear permitting authority.

"I oppose the proposed green hydrogen project in Cuesta... We ask the county... to withdraw support from the green hydrogen project until full environmental analysis with public input has been completed," said Jessica Joseph, who told commissioners she represents a petition with more than 1,500 signatures asking the county, the town of Taos, the village of Cuesta and local pueblos to pause support until comprehensive studies — including water-use analyses — are completed.

Morgan Gentry recommended the county adopt a moratorium on data centers and related hyperscale infrastructure, arguing that the hydrogen facility could be a first step toward water-intensive, large-scale energy projects that would further strain local water supplies.

Enodio Justin Rael said his IPRA records show the village of Cuesta informed the applicant (Conesto) that the proposed project would be a 60-megawatt commercial solar facility on roughly 300 acres, and that the village said Taos County permitting requirements would apply. Rael asked why the county issued a fencing permit for work inside the village after Cuesta adopted its own zoning in January 2026, and whether any intergovernmental or joint-powers agreement delegated permitting authority to Taos County. "If that agreement exists, will it be made available to the public?" he asked.

Adelita Mead, who said she is living without water for 45 days, described the human toll of water shortages and urged commissioners to consider emergency assistance for affected residents while opposing the project on the grounds of irretrievable harm to water resources.

Speakers asked the commission to withdraw prior resolutions of support or to reissue clear and detailed statements that reflect current project designs, water-source data, and environmental review. Several asked for public release of related agreements and permitting records.

The commission did not take final action on a withdrawal or moratorium during this meeting. Staff comments elsewhere in the agenda referenced ongoing permitting and planning activities but did not resolve the specific transparency requests made during public comment.