ACOMA PUEBLO, N.M. — Acoma Pueblo leaders say a company linked to the Project Jupiter artificial intelligence data center used the Pueblo’s name and imagery in marketing without permission, a move they describe as disrespectful to their sovereignty and culture. The contested materials relate to proposed private data center developments in Doña Ana County.

Governor Charles Riley expressed strong concern about the use of the Acoma identity, saying the community was never contacted and that invoking tribal names or symbols for corporate projects infringes on tribal authority. He emphasized that the Pueblo opposes the use of its name to promote work connected to the data center project.

Riley pointed specifically to an LLC associated with the AI facility that includes “Acoma” in its name, calling that use inappropriate. Rather than focusing only on the project itself, he said leaders are worried about broader consequences — how the facility and associated operations might affect the land and resources that matter to the Pueblo.

Environmental impacts are a key part of the objection. Riley warned that new data centers can place strain on land and water supplies, which conflicts with Acoma values and stewardship of the territory. He also noted that even if tribal leaders had been asked for input, they would have declined and that the Pueblo has a long history of facing similar pressures on their community and resources.

The Pueblo has sent a formal letter to the company using the Acoma name but, according to Riley, has not yet received a reply. A representative for Yucca Growth Infrastructure, the parent company of the LLC in question, later said in an email that they heard the Pueblo’s concerns, apologized for any offense, and agreed to stop using the Acoma name moving forward.