Roughly 30 community members gathered at the Questa VFW at 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 to discuss the potential impacts of a proposed green hydrogen plant.
Hosted by the Concerned Citizens and Watershed Protectors, the meeting provided a forum for residents—ranging from acequia users and ranchers to village locals and out-of-town residents—to ask questions and hear presentations regarding the project.
Danny Garcia, president of the Cabresto Lake Ditch and Irrigation Association, opened the meeting with a presentation on the history of local water rights and the current state of wells throughout Questa. Discussing the project’s potential strain on current and expected water usage, Garcia summarized his primary concern: “The water is not being replenished.”
Presenter George Wise shifted the focus to the efficiency of the plant, raising concerns about the high amount of electricity required to produce green hydrogen.
“We are getting a 40% return on the energy,” Wise told the crowd. “55 kWh is going in and 20 kWh is coming out.”
Questa resident Juan Montes provided background on the facility itself, noting that the proposed location has moved from its original site near the Chevron mine. Montes urged attendees to remain engaged and continue asking questions about the project’s development.
Meeting organizer and El Rito activist Jessica Joseph said the change in the plant’s proposed location is what initially caught her attention.
“Plans to break ground are set for June 2026, they do not yet have the water rights and permits to use that well,” Joseph said.
Local leaders acknowledged the public’s apprehension. In a statement regarding the meeting, Questa Mayor John Ortega said “I understand there are concerns and we are working to address these concerns. I’ve worked hard to protect the water and people of Questa.”
“KCEC firmly believes that our members’ voices matter. As a member-owned cooperative, we are guided by the communities we serve,” Reyes said. We attended Saturday’s Questa Watershed meeting to listen carefully and gain a clearer understanding of the concerns being raised.”
Reyes continued, “while we respect the perspectives shared, KCEC does not agree with all of the statements and characterizations presented. We remain committed to open dialogue and constructive engagement. KCEC will continue to work collaboratively with our members, respect their input, and operate with transparency. Our responsibility is to make thoughtful, informed decisions that best serve the long-term interests of our membership and communities.”
The Cooperative shared a FAQ sheet based on the concerns from the group. The information provided addresses questions related to safety, air quality, water resources, regulatory oversight, and public engagement. All responses are supported by established engineering standards, regulatory findings, and reputable scientific and technical sources to ensure accuracy and transparency. A link to the FAQ can be found at https://kitcarson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FINAL-Hydrogen-Project-FAQ.pdf
A follow-up community meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Questa VFW.
