Project Jupiter Fight in Court: The New Mexico Supreme Court paused Project Jupiter’s air quality permit process and also halted water use tied to the project, ordering the state engineer to stop drawing from a specific well while environmental groups challenge the permits. Local Permitting Turmoil: A hearing officer overseeing the NMED air permit recused himself after opponents argued the process wasn’t fair, adding more friction to the already protested data center project. Water Stress Beyond One Project: Nevada filed lawsuits against the federal Colorado River operating plan, arguing Lower Basin states face steep cuts while Upper Basin states like New Mexico avoid mandatory reductions. Heat and Power Costs: As record warmth and dryness persist, PNM customers are dealing with higher bills and some multi-month billing delays tied to meter-reader staffing shortages. Methane Rule Push: NMED petitioned the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt a methane abatement rule aimed at cutting large, uncontrolled gas releases. Rural Farm Strain: New Mexico farmers say Agriculture Department services like loans and technical help are delayed or hard to access, forcing some to turn to private lenders. Energy Demand Pressure: New reporting highlights how AI data centers are driving major electricity demand growth, fueling local backlash over impacts. Biofuel Research: Texas A&M researchers are studying prickly pear cactus as a drought-tough crop for biofuels and functional food ingredients, including partnerships that include New Mexico State University.