Interest forms are due Aug. 31 for a citizen-led committee intended to provide community oversight and hold independent information forums on the proposed data center project

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County is looking for 11 residents to serve on a new citizen-led committee charged with monitoring Project Jupiter and providing a forum for community questions about the proposed data center development.

The County opened an online interest form Friday for residents who want to serve on the Community Monitoring Committee related to Project Jupiter. Forms must be submitted by Aug. 31 at donaana.gov/projectjupiter.

The committee will include two representatives from each of the County’s five commission districts, plus an additional member from District 5, represented by Commission Chairman Manny Sanchez.

Commissioners approved the committee Tuesday through Resolution 2026-101.

The resolution says applicants must live in the commission district they would represent and may not have a financial interest either supporting or opposing Project Jupiter. The County’s announcement also says prospective members must disclose any financial interest, employment or other affiliation involving an entity associated with the project, whether in support or opposition.

Commissioners are expected to review the submissions after the Aug. 31 deadline and make appointments no later than Sept. 4.

Service on the committee is voluntary.

Committee to hold independent information forums

The resolution gives the committee authority to establish its own bylaws and elect its own officers.

County management also is directed to contact companies involved with Project Jupiter and request their cooperation with the committee, including participation in information forums.

The County will provide logistical support that could include meeting locations, advertising, video recording, Spanish-language interpreters, court reporters, refreshments and a website for posting information. The resolution also directs County management to hire an attorney to serve as an adviser to the committee.

Commissioners said in the resolution that a citizen-led group conducting “independent information forums” about Project Jupiter would be in the best interest of the County and its residents.

The resolution points to continued public questions about the project’s potential effects on water, air, noise, pollution and other environmental concerns.

Project Jupiter is the name given to a proposed large data center development at the Santa Teresa Industrial Park. County commissioners approved industrial revenue bonds for the project in September 2025.

The resolution notes that companies associated with the project have publicly committed to continued community engagement. It cites statements from BorderPlex Digital Assets, Bloom Energy, Oracle and STACK Infrastructure concerning community updates, transparency or local stakeholder engagement.

The committee is intended to create another avenue for residents to obtain information and provide oversight as the project moves forward.

Residents interested in serving can submit the County’s interest form at donaana.gov/projectjupiter through Aug. 31.

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.