Small molecules, big differences

Recently there has been talk about establishing an AI data center just outside of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The proposal for powering this data center purports to involve not one but two microgrids, each of which would be considered "minor sources" for permitting purposes, and it would allow each to put out close to 250 tons of nitric oxide species annually.

If the New Mexico Environment Department allows this splitting of the project into two permits, the developers will escape more stringent pollution control requirements that would greatly reduce their emissions. So, if you like to breathe air that is clear and fresh and free, this proposal affects you directly.

I’m writing this with the hope of demonstrating the chemistry associated with nitric oxide gases, commonly called NOx (pronounced “Knox”) species. NOx species are small molecules composed of at least one atom of nitrogen and one or more oxygen atoms (NO, NO2, and all the way up to NO5). Currently they have one of the highest risks not just for the environment but for our own health.

Why?

In the atmosphere, NOx species will react with ozone (O3) to generate atmospheric oxygen, like billiard balls bouncing into each other on a pool table. But these reactions also make a larger molecule, which reacts with water to generate nitric acid (HNO3).

This chemical is a major component of acid rain. You may or may not be old enough to remember the acid rain crises of the 70s and 80s, and the devastation that acid rain brought to much of North America. The harm of acid rain was vastly reduced after strong environmental regulations were enacted.

But if 500 combined tons of NOx were suddenly being pumped out of two microgrids every year in Dona Ana County, this would wind up producing more nitric acid and therefore more acid rain.

We don’t worry that much about acid rain here given that we have so little rain. But even in dry climates like ours, acidic gas particles can deposit directly onto surfaces without the aid of water. This would amount to acid rain without the rain.

And what about human health effects?

In the complicated chemistry of the atmosphere, NOx will eventually end up producing more ozone, a dangerous pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates asthma, and can even cause premature death. At greatest risk are the most vulnerable members of our society – children, economically disadvantaged, and older adults.

From an environmental standpoint, the question is: what does it matter if it’s 250 tons of NOx species times two, or 500 tons of the stuff pumped into the atmosphere from a single source? A pizza is a pizza, whether you say it’s

two halves or a whole. In the same way, the atmosphere still receives a net total of approximately 500 tons of this harmful pollutant.

But for permitting purposes, breaking the project into two separate entities matters a lot. It allows far greater emissions than if the project is considered one single entity. And that is frankly absurd.

Again, if you like breathing clean air, the construction of Project Jupiter affects you. So, what can you do?

The New Mexico Environment Department will be holding a hearing about this dubious duo "micro"grid permit. When and where are yet to be determined but stay tuned. And when the details become available, be prepared to show up and speak out. You don't have to be a chemist to know this will be bad for your health.

We cannot breathe data.