From Texastribune · · 3m
Data Centers Threaten Climate Goals in Texas and New Mexico
Texas and New Mexico data centers could undermine climate targets as emissions rise.
In brief
Texas and New Mexico data centers could undermine climate targets as emissions rise. New Mexico and Texas data centers emit millions of tons of greenhouse gases annually, conflicting with state climate goals. Originally reported by Texastribune.
New Mexico and Texas Climate Plans
Last December, New Mexico officials celebrated a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and El Paso adopted a similar climate plan months later.
Data Centers Under Construction
Work is underway on Project Jupiter in New Mexico and Meta’s data center in El Paso, with a third facility planned near Fort Bliss Army post.
Emissions Impact
When fully built, the three data centers will emit millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to over two million cars.
Air Quality Concerns
The data centers release air pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which directly affect local health and air quality.
Regulatory Gaps
Texas and New Mexico have different approaches to climate regulation, with no federal law governing emissions or climate change.
State Climate Policies
New Mexico has codified greenhouse gas reduction targets into state law, while Texas has not.
Local Opposition
New Mexico state Rep. Sarah Silva, who represents Chaparral, expressed concerns about the data centers’ impact on local communities.
Water and Emissions Tradeoffs
Texas legislators approved a data center sales tax break that could cost the state $3.2 billion in revenue over two years.
Emissions Scale
The combined emissions from Project Jupiter and Meta could reach 10 million tons annually, far exceeding regional emissions in 2019.
State Support for Data Centers
New Mexico lawmakers initially supported data center projects but later expressed concerns about emissions and local impacts.
Energy Demand
Project Jupiter’s power plant could produce 2.45 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 1.5 million homes.
State Responses
New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham praised Oracle’s use of fuel cells but did not address emissions concerns.
Legal Challenges
New Mexico’s Supreme Court delayed Project Jupiter’s air permit hearing due to legal challenges.
Texas Regulatory Hurdles
El Paso Electric is waiting for Texas’ Public Utility Commission to approve the Meta power plant.
Climate Impact
El Paso’s temperatures have risen faster than almost any other city in the U.S. since 1970, with droughts worsening air quality.
What Happens Next
Texas and New Mexico officials are considering new regulations to address data center impacts on water and electricity.
What matters most
New Mexico and Texas data centers emit millions of tons of greenhouse gases annually, conflicting with state climate goals.
