Public comments for the Yucca Growth Infrastructure, LLC air quality permit application ended earlier this week, and multiple people have spoken out about comments being submitted under their names without consent.

They include Albuquerque City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, who in a statement said, “I am outraged that someone would impersonate me in a public process – especially to advocate for a project that I believe is harmful to our environment, our communities, and animals.”

The NMDOJ is requesting that the New Mexico Environment Department cooperate with the investigation by reviewing the comments submitted.

Oracle released a statement addressing the issue, saying “New Mexico’s public permitting process exists so that everyone has an opportunity to make their voice heard. The process is working, and we remain committed to protecting the integrity of the public process for everyone and to ensuring that community participation is voluntary, informed, and transparent.”

Those affected can submit a complaint to the NMDOJ via the NMDOJ Complaint Portal or by calling (505) 490-4060.

Abigail Salas is former fellow with the New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships Program. She is currently a multimedia journalist for KRWG. She is a Las Cruces native and is excited to share the stories of the people of the community and to give a voice to those that need one.