Acoma Pueblo Slams Project Jupiter Over Unauthorized Name Use, Citing Cultural Disrespect and Environmental Risks

POLICY WIRE — Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico — The Acoma Pueblo has publicly condemned Project Jupiter, asserting that a company linked to the initiative utilized the Pueblo’s name without consent, thereby violating its sovereignty and cultural heritage.

Governor Charles Riley of Acoma Pueblo articulated the tribal leadership’s strong disapproval of incorporating their identity into marketing materials for Project Jupiter‘s proposed private data center developments located in Doña Ana County.

Cultural Sovereignty Infringed

“The use of symbols and names belonging to native peoples constitutes a significant breach of our inherent sovereignty, and it is profoundly disrespectful,” Riley stated. His primary concern focused on an LLC associated with the artificial intelligence data center undertaking, which bears the Acoma designation without prior approval.

Riley revealed that the company in question never contacted the Pueblo. Tribal leaders perceive this incident as part of a larger, systemic issue, extending beyond the confines of a single project.

“Our objection isn’t merely to the company’s output, but to the broader ramifications of such a facility being established. The potential harm to the land, water, and general environment directly contradicts the very essence of what the name Acoma signifies,” Governor Riley emphasized.

Environmental Concerns and Demand for Consultation

The proposed Project Jupiter has already generated considerable controversy and public discussion regarding the substantial water usage anticipated from the new data center. Indigenous communities, according to Riley, are seeking genuine respect, meaningful consultation, and an active role in all decisions that directly impact their cultural legacy and ancestral territories.

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“Even if we had been approached for consultation, our response would unequivocally have been no. Furthermore, this is an experience we have endured repeatedly over the past century,” Riley underscored, highlighting a long history of similar challenges faced by indigenous groups.

Company Apologizes and Pledges Change

Riley informed KOB 4 that the Pueblo had dispatched a formal letter to the company operating under the Acoma name but had not received a response. However, in an email subsequently sent to KOB 4, a representative for Yucca Growth Infrastructure, the parent corporation of Acoma LLC, issued an apology.

“We have heard the Acoma Pueblo people and taken their concerns seriously. No offense was ever intended, and we sincerely regret any distress caused. Out of profound respect, we commit to adopting an alternative name moving forward,” the representative stated, acknowledging the community’s grievances.

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