Author
ABQ City Council considers abolition of air quality board authority
Bills that would completely replace the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board and potentially undermine its regulation authority are set to be heard by Albuquerque’s City Council on Wednesday, November 8th. In response, a coalition of environmentalists and historic neighborhoods are sounding the alarm to the potential harm the changes could have on all of Bernalillo county’s […]
Staff shortages are a top priority for water conservationists in upcoming legislative session
New Mexico’s next legislative session is just around the corner, with lawmakers setting their eyes on the state’s budgetary needs and wants in January. to lawmakers and state agencies like the departments of Energy Minerals and Natural Resources and Agriculture, some 16 different conservation organizations are highlighting the dire need for adequate staff funding to […]
Wildfire risk is causing an insurance bubble in New Mexico
Extreme weather events fueled by climate change are causing insurance premiums to skyrocket in some places across the U.S. A new report shows New Mexico and the Southwest sit at the center of the problem. First Street Foundation, the nonprofit behind the report, estimates that roughly 39 million properties across the country are being underpriced by insurance […]
Feds update evidence standards for Mexican gray wolf attacks
The Mexican gray wolf is now receiving more management protections in Arizona and New Mexico. The rules that govern what evidence can be used for counting wolf attacks are getting an update and advocates are hopeful they’ll show the true overall impact they have on the livestock industry. Before the change, deciding if a cow or sheep […]
Albuquerque Public Schools and teachers reach agreement for pay raises, stipends
Albuquerque Public Schools and the union representing its teachers – the Albuquerque Teachers Federation – have announced they have reached a tentative agreement that would boost salaries, provide stipends for duty time and give more money for athletic coaches. The agreement was reached earlier this month, but officially announced Monday. Specifically, educators will receive a […]
Federal agency cancels insecticide spray plans in Rio Chama watershed
The Bureau of Land Management has announced it’s canceling its controversial plan to spray the Rio Chama Watershed with 670 gallons of a toxic insecticide – for now. In a press release sent to KUNM Thursday, BLM Taos Field Manager Pamela Mathis said: “Additional environmental analysis and outreach for this project is necessary, and we are […]
For the endangered Rio Gallinas, drastic and long-term investments are missing
It’s an uncomfortably gusty day in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where a group of farmers and conservationists meet to walk alongside the fast moving snowmelt gushing through the Rio Gallinas. Walking in the group is Lea Knutson, founder and executive director of the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance. She’s been working to protect and restore this river […]
Amid high crime rates, Bernalillo County voters set to pick new sheriff
Early voting for the general election begins October 11 and Bernalillo County is set to choose the new head of the state’s largest sheriff’s office. Vying for the position are Democrat John D. Allen and Republican Paul Pacheco — both of whom ran in a crowded primary back in June. A total of seven Democrats […]