Construction of the Oracle data center complex in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, an El Paso suburb, is forging ahead amid challenges that will be reviewed by the New Mexico Supreme Court.
The high court set a Sept. 2 deadline for New Mexico officials to respond to two environmental groups’ requests to stop use of a water well for the site and slow the air-permit process for the project’s planned power plant.
Water was still being used for dirt work on Aug. 27 when an El Paso Times reporter was viewing ongoing construction at the site. An Oracle spokesperson did not respond to an emailed question about the site's water source while the use of the water well is temporarily halted.
The Supreme Court Aug. 23 paused use of the well and also paused air-permit
proceedings until it reviews the state officials’ responses and makes a decision on requests from the Center for Biological Diversity and the New Energy Economy group.
The New Mexico Environment Department had set a Sept. 14 public hearing to receive evidence for Project Jupiter’s required air permit. That hearing may be postponed.
In a statement, Oracle officials said the Austin company and its project partners remain committed to developing Project Jupiter responsibly and “abiding by every applicable regulatory process.”
Vic Kolenc may be reached at 915-546-6421;vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; @vickolenc on X, and @vkolenc.bsky.socialon Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Oracle Project Jupiter data center work continues amid court fight
