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Pipeline Protest Halts Data Center Fuel Project
18 Apr
Summary
- Federal regulators protested a proposed pipeline for a data center.
- The Green Chile Project faced delays due to incomplete filings.
- Environmental groups and local residents also challenged the pipeline.
Federal regulatory staff have protested a proposed pipeline project in southern New Mexico, potentially delaying construction for the Project Jupiter data center. The developer, Energy Transfer, sought expedited approval for the $60-million "Green Chile Project" on January 29th to supply 400,000 dekatherms of gas daily.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff filed a protest on April 13th, citing incomplete applications. Specifically, the company failed to provide confirmation that no historic properties would be affected, a requirement under federal law. This omission prevents adequate addressing of environmental concerns.
In addition to the FERC protest, the New Mexico State Land Office denied construction rights on state trust land. Several New Mexico environmental groups and a local resident group have also formally challenged the pipeline. If Energy Transfer cannot resolve these issues within 30 days, the project will require a more detailed approval process.
Celeste Miller of FERC stated that failure to resolve the issues could disqualify the project from an expedited "blanket certificate." Instead, it would need to pursue a "project-specific certificate," involving more extensive filings and public notice. Energy Transfer indicated they are working with FERC to meet all necessary requirements.
