Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Call For Protection Of Caja del Rio, Push For National Monument Designation
NM DELEGATION News:
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) called on U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to protect the Caja del Rio.
“We write to urge you to protect the Caja del Rio plateau by recommending designation of the area as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. Of this 107,000-acre expanse between the city of Santa Fe and the Rio Grande, approximately 67,600 acres are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and the remaining Read More
Robinson: Protecting Homeowners & Keeping Insurers In NM
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
When we look back at fires, California’s and New Mexico’s, we’ll see that the victims got burned twice – once during the event and again when they tried to rebuild and found they couldn’t get insurance. That’s if they had any to begin with. Many don’t.
This is not a rant about insurance companies. Two of my early jobs were with insurance companies. I spent years writing about them as a business writer, so I don’t expect them to act like charities.
New Mexico and California have property insurance problems driven by climate change. The disasters Read More
Heinrich Responds To Another Breach Of Protocol And Precedent By ENR Chairman Lee Ahead Of Cabinet Nomination Hearings
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
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- Chairman Lee once again issues hearing notice without having received information from nominees required by law and by Committee rules, including a completed financial disclosure form and completion of an FBI background check.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued the following statement after Chairman Mike Lee (R-U.T.) issued a hearing notice on Chris Wright for consideration as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy next Wednesday, Jan. Read More
Bureau Of Land Management Seeks Public Comment For July 2025 Oil And Gas Lease Sale In New Mexico
BLM News:
SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office Jan. 6 opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on 16 oil and gas parcels totaling 7,502 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale in New Mexico. The comment period ends Feb. 5, 2025.
The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in November 2024 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analysis. BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel and determine if leasing of these parcels conforms with all applicable Read More
Santa Fe Community College, Higher Education Center To Close In Honor Of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 20, 2025
The Santa Fe Community College campus at 6401 Richards Ave. in Santa Fe. Courtesy/KSFR
SFCC News:
- Registration encouraged before holiday weekend
SANTA FE – Santa Fe Community College, (SFCC) at 6401 Richards Ave. and the Santa Fe Higher Education Center at 1950 Siringo Road, will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
No classes or activities will be held, and no other student services will be available. The college’s early childcare and education center, Kids Campus and gym, the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center, also will be closed. Both campuses will reopen Read More
Honorable Kenneth J. Gonzales Elevated To Chief Judge Of U.S. District Court For District Of New Mexico
Chief Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales
U.S. District Court News:
ALBUQUERQUE – The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico announces the elevation of Honorable Kenneth J. Gonzales to Chief Judge effective Jan. 10, 2025, following Honorable William P. Johnson’s transition to senior status.
Judge Gonzales grew up in Nambe and graduated from Pojoaque High School; he received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1988 and then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1994.
Following law school, Judge Gonzales served as a Judicial Read More
County Council’s Next Work Session Is Tuesday Jan. 14
Los Alamos County Councilors from left, David Reagor, Ryn Herrmann, Beverly Neal-Clinton, Melanee Hand, Randall Ryti, Vice Chair Suzie Havemann and Chair Theresa Cull. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council is scheduled to hold a Work Session 6 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 14 in Council Chambers at Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
The meeting is open to the public and a Zoom option is offered for remote participation (Zoom Link).
View Tuesday’s agenda and use the eComments tool to provide public comment on items of interest.
Topics at Tuesday’s Work Session include:
- Discussion
Public Notice: Council To Hold Closed Session Jan. 14
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council will hold a Closed Session4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Fire Station 3 in White Rock.
The purpose of the closed session is to discuss threatened or pending litigation: The Incorporated County of Los Alamos v. United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Case No.: 20-9543, United States
Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit. Council is scheduled to also discuss the purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property.
Find the complete agenda packet for this closed session here. Read More
NM House Democrats Preview Priorities For 2025 Session
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
STATE News:
- “You deserve to feel safe in your home and your community…” –House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albq.).
- “There is nothing more fundamental to the well-being of our families and communities than public safety.” –Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos)
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico House Democrats (NMHD) shared a preview Friday of select policy priorities for the upcoming 60-day Legislative Session, which begins Jan. 21.
Key areas of focus include:
- Improving public safety;
- Supporting the well-being of New Mexico’s children;
- Relieving
DPU To Launch ‘Voice Of The Customer’ Survey Monday
Following the 2024 survey, DPU was presented with a Customer Satisfaction bronze-level award by the American Public Power Association. Many of the Voice of the Customer Survey questions are benchmarked by APPA and responses to those questions put DPU among 20 public power providers nationwide to receive the award. Courtesy/DPU
COUNTY News:
Let your voice be heard, utility customers! The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is kicking off its annual “Voice of the Customer” survey on Monday, Jan. 13 to measure customer satisfaction and engagement in areas such as quality, reliability Read More
County Council Approves Legislative Priorities For 2025
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Council approved its legislative priorities for the upcoming 60-day session, with some revisions, during Tuesday’s meeting in Council Chambers.
Items the Council supports with the following revision: “Legislation that improves access to behavior health and availability of medical professionals including but not limited to interjurisdictional compacts and options for malpractice reform.” Another revision to items the council supports was “Measures that support New Mexico and Los Alamos County Read More
Benson: Be A Hero
By JODY BENSON
Los Alamos
What if you were offered a quick, easy, inexpensive way to clean up litter, lower chemical pollution, and reduce endocrine disruption affecting sexual development and obesity? What if I told you that this action contributes to a healthier, cleaner future for you and your kids? Would you think about it, or dismiss the offer out of hand? (Remember, it’s quick, cheap, easy.)
What is this tiny little action? Just bring your own shopping bags wherever you go.
First let’s clarify what is meant by single-use carry-out disposable plastic shopping bag. These are the brown-Smiths/white-Walmart Read More
Clarification On Jan. 14 Council Work Session Agenda
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County would like to clarify a previous press release that incorrectly indicated the County Council would discuss a potential future ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags at its next work session scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave.
Instead, the Council is set to begin an early discussion about whether a fee should be imposed for single-use plastic bags and how any revenue generated might be utilized.
Additionally, “traffic cameras” and “hands-free cell phone use” were added to the agenda as part of the list of future potential Read More
Heinrich Responds To Another Breach Of Protocol And Precedent By ENR Chairman Lee Ahead Of Cabinet Nomination Hearings
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued the following statement after Chairman Mike Lee (R-U.T.) issued a hearing notice on Chris Wright for consideration as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy next Wednesday, Jan. 15, without having received essential information required by law and by Committee rules—a breach of precedent and protocol established over decades by Chairs of both parties.
“I am extremely disappointed that Chairman Lee has noticed Read More
Chair Amy Barela Responds To Governor Lujan Grisham’s Public Safety Town Hall In Otero County
Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Amy Barela
RPNM News:
OTERO COUNTY — Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) Chair Amy Barela acknowledged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s attendance at a public safety town hall in Otero County on Wednesday, an important opportunity for community concerns to be addressed directly.
“Lujan Grisham’s visit to Otero County provided a platform for residents to voice critical issues, many of which affect communities statewide. It’s encouraging to see the Governor engaging with constituents, though the effectiveness of such engagement will ultimately Read More
DPLA To Feature Rep. Christine Chandler And Land Commissioner Garcia Richard At Meeting Monday Jan. 13
DPLA News:
Registered Democrats are invited to attend the regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Unitarian Church, 1738 N. Sage Loop.
Featured speakers include Rep. Christine Chandler and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.
This will be a hybrid meeting will be held in person and via Zoom. To attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81654127593, Meeting ID: 816 5412 7593
All attendees, in person or on Zoom, will be required to sign in with their name and email address for Party verification.
Chandler will give an overview Read More
Unitarian Church To Host Sunday Forum On ‘Egyptian Society, Ancient And Current’ 11:45 AM Jan. 12
Unitarian Church News:
The public is invited to attend the Sunday Forum on “Egyptian Society, Ancient and Current” 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos at 1738 North Sage St.
For 3,000 years a strong Egyptian society thrived along the Nile Valley, then it was supplanted by the Greeks and Romans. Following a recent trip and subsequent study, Dean Carstens will talk about various aspects of Egyptian society, including:
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- Religious beliefs, ancient and current;
- Reasons for the long duration of Egyptian society;
- Accomplishments;
- Ancient engineering and science;
- Women
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Legislators Share Insights Into 2025 Legislative Session
From left, Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler, Dist. 6 Sen. Robert Gonzales and Dist. 5 Sen. Leo Jaramillo participate in the legislative preview meeting Monday night at Fuller Lodge. The League of Women Voters and American Association of University Women hosted the event. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Scene from the legislative preview event Monday at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
New Mexico’s 2025 Legislative Session begins at noon Tuesday, Jan. 21 and three of Los Alamos’ elected officials Read More
NM Economic Development Dept. Announces Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program Now Accepting Applications
EDD News:
SANTA FE — Applications are now being accepted for the Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program from the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).
The New Mexico Advanced Energy Award Pilot Program is a competitive state-funded grant that awards non-dilutive funds to New Mexico small businesses for advanced energy innovation and commercialization research and development. The grant funding will assist early-stage companies developing a unique product with strong growth potential. Selected businesses will be awarded between $250,000 and $1,000,000.
Applications are Read More
New Mexico Workforce Connection Announces Rebranding Of America’s Job Center New Mexico
NMDWS Secretary Sarita Nair cuts a ribbon in front of the America’s Job Center in Hobbs. Courtesy/NMDWS
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions alongside State and Local Workforce Development Boards announces the official rebranding of New Mexico Workforce Connection to America’s Job Center New Mexico. This name change reflects a nationwide alignment with the American Job’s Center network, ensuring consistency and recognition for workforce services provided throughout the state.
NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair officially launched the rebrand Read More
