Center for Biological Diversity Sues to Stop Project Jupiter Water Use

The Center for Biological Diversity filed an emergency petition with the New Mexico Supreme Court on August 20, 2026, seeking to halt water diversion for Project Jupiter. The $165 billion data center campus, proposed by Oracle and OpenAI in Doña Ana County, is currently utilizing a replacement well operated by Santa Teresa Capital.

The petition challenges an October authorization granted by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, alleging the state illegally bypassed required public hearings and notice. The conservation group argues the project failed to meet the true emergency criteria, such as imminent crop loss, necessary for such permits. Since April, more than 103 million gallons of freshwater have been pumped from the well.

Attorney Colin Cox stated that the water diversion threatens freshwater supplies during a severe drought and is contrary to public welfare. This legal challenge follows an August 19 emergency filing by New Energy Economy, which contested the project's air quality permit proceedings. The Center for Biological Diversity is now asking the court to declare the water authorization illegal and stop all diversions until state requirements are met.