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PRC: Utilities trying to overcharge in a solar program meant to help low-income communities
New Mexico’s community solar program is supposed to help people with low incomes and organizations get clean energy for cheaper. But regulators are calling out utility companies for trying to charge consumers too much before the program has even launched. People and organizations will soon have the option to use solar energy from a community […]
State to update water pollution plan, factoring in climate change — but not boosting wildfire response
It’s a yearslong process for the state to create a plan to protect water from pollution for federal approval, and the New Mexico Environment Department is prepping its 2024 strategy with a focus on climate change. New Mexico’s plan, required by the Clean Water Act, aims to prevent and clean up pollution that doesn’t come […]
Labor orgs back hospital union leader to rep Albuquerque’s Westside in the Roundhouse
With early voting underway as of Tuesday, New Mexicans are casting their ballots for statewide races, and for the N.M. House of Representatives, among other choices. Union leader Eleanor Chavez and small business owner Patrick Sais are vying to replace Democratic Rep. Georgene Louis. Union campaign funders are pulling heavily for Chavez, a Democrat, to […]
Gallup battles state on new groundwater protection requirements for wastewater discharge
The city of Gallup, N.M., has been allowed to discharge 1.25 million gallons of treated wastewater per day into the Rio Puerco since 1996. But this year, to protect groundwater, the state’s issued a number of new conditions that the city is trying to fight. The Water Quality Control Commission decided on Tuesday to review […]
Race to manage state land brings up clashing opinions on oil and gas industry
New Mexicans will decide in the General Election if a new official will come in to manage state land or go with an incumbent that supports renewable energy while overseeing the largest production from extractive businesses in state history. The N.M. commissioner of public lands is in charge of leasing state land for a place […]
Second tribe in New Mexico set to open Tesla dealership in 2023
Construction is underway in Santa Ana Pueblo for Tesla’s second car dealership facility in New Mexico. A sleek 35,000 square foot facility is expected to open in May 2023, acting as a sales, service and delivery center. When the facility opens up, Tesla will have centers near three major cities in New Mexico — Albuquerque, […]
Education, environment advocates warn about instability of oil and gas revenue
The oil and gas industry is excelling in New Mexico, leading to significant money for the state and public education. But the industry operates in a boom-and-bust cycle, and education and environmental advocates say officials need to find ways to diversify this revenue so the state and its schools don’t suffer in bust years. Oil […]
FEMA individual assistance application period to close this week unless extended again
People with damaged property or homes following the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and flooding disasters have until Friday, Oct. 7 to apply for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the deadline is extended again. Other federal help meant to more fully compensate people is also on the way. Residents who don’t have […]
Early voting begins in New Mexico next week
Early voting begins next week on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at New Mexico’s county clerk’s offices, and continues for nearly a month. Voters have through Saturday, Nov. 5 to vote early. Early voting is only at the county clerk’s offices until more voting locations open up when expanded early voting starts on Oct. 22. New Mexicans […]
More emergency aid for flooding heading to the Black Fire burn scar in southern NM
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration for Sierra County due to flooding on Monday, Oct. 3. This is the fourth county near the Black Fire burn scar to receive emergency funding and resources in a month. The governor signed emergency declarations for Catron County on Sept. 16, Hidalgo County on Sept. 12 and […]
Albuquerque Starbucks becomes first store to unionize in the state
A Starbucks in Albuquerque became the first store in the chain to unionize in New Mexico on Thursday. The National Labor Relations Board counted ballots from workers at the Interstate-40 and Rio Grande location. The tally came in 10-to-7 in favor of unionizing. This makes New Mexico the 34th state with a unionized Starbucks location. […]
Migrants protest living conditions with hunger strike at Torrance County detention center
Migrants being held at the Torrance County detention center have gone without food for days to protest inhumane living conditions and mistreatment from guards. Over a dozen men detained in Torrance wrote an open letter announcing the peaceful protest, detailing filthy living conditions, medical and mental health neglect, lack of water, long stays at the […]