Dozens of students from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and a coalition of environmental and political groups gathered on the university’s main campus in Las Cruces Sunday to call for a statewide ban on hyperscale AI data centers. The rally, organized by Youth United for Climate Crisis Action (YUCCA) and other local advocates, was timed to build momentum ahead of the 2027 New Mexico legislative session.
Students demand an outright ban
YUCCA member Alex Atcitty told the crowd that AI data centers act as “extractors,” taking more from the state and its communities than they return. “We are trying to be uncompromising with our rejection of AI. We do not want to stop halfway with guardrails or even a moratorium. We want to push for a ban,” Atcitty said.
Project Jupiter and the bond controversy
Organizers highlighted Project Jupiter, a proposed AI data center in southern Doña Ana County, as a focal point of their concerns. Lennie Dupass, a first‑year NMSU criminal‑justice student who helped organize the rally, noted that the Doña Ana County Commission approved up to $165 billion in Industrial Revenue Bonds to fund the project in September 2026. Dupass spent seven hours at the commission meeting to hear public comment, arguing that the commissioners ignored community concerns.
“Our local government does not work for us… They made it abundantly clear that the only people I could place my trust in were my fellow community members,” Dupass said. “We know what New Mexico is worth. Our state has been used for decades solely for its resources, but our value is not determined by how much can be taken from us.”
Political endorsements and upcoming elections
Dupass also voiced support for Daisy Maldonado, the Democratic candidate for Doña Ana County Commission District 1, describing her as a “turning point” for the commission this election cycle. He expressed confidence that her victory would bring needed change to local decision‑making.
Coordinated statewide actions
YUCCA officials announced that student walkouts and community protests are planned across New Mexico in the coming days. Sophie LaBorwit, YUCCA Communications Manager, said University of New Mexico students will march down Central Avenue in Albuquerque to the office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich to protest the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which protestors claim will roll back environmental protections. New Mexico School for the Arts students will lead a demonstration at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, while additional NMSU participants will gather at the Plaza de Las Cruces.
Looking ahead
The rally follows a three‑day training session that brought together organizers from across the state to develop a coordinated campaign against data‑center development. Advocates hope the pressure will influence lawmakers as the 2027 legislative session begins in January, potentially shaping policy on industrial bonds, environmental oversight, and the role of AI infrastructure in New Mexico.
Leah Romero, a freelance writer based in southern New Mexico, contributed the original reporting.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
