The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter submitted roughly 2,000 comments to Governor Katie Hobbs’s office opposing the Desert Southwest Pipeline. The comments were originally filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission during its initial comment period and originated primarily from residents of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico along the proposed pipeline route.
The pipeline project would transport methane gas from the Permian Basin to supply electricity-dependent data centers across the Southwest region. Opponents contend the infrastructure would cause substantial harm to water resources and commit the region to decades of fossil fuel dependence. According to the Sierra Club’s tracking data, Arizona ranks among the nation’s top states for planned new gas-fired power generation facilities.
A proposed data center called Project Jupiter in southern New Mexico drew particular attention from commenters. The facility would generate greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the state’s three largest cities combined and consume electricity matching the output of New Mexico’s largest utility grid. Critics argue it would single-handedly negate the state’s 29 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005.
Governor Hobbs announced support for the pipeline in May, stating her backing prioritized assisting Arizona families. Environmental and advocacy groups have characterized this position as contradictory to her own Energy Task Force Report, which documented concerns about gas infrastructure expansion.
Advocacy organizations including Chispa Arizona and Activate 48 issued statements opposing the project, emphasizing environmental justice concerns and the potential for negative health impacts on low-income and communities of color. They called on the governor to withdraw her support and engage in dialogue with affected communities regarding the decision.
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