State Offers Free Blood Tests For PFAS Around Cannon AFB
NMED News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) said New Mexico is stepping up to help residents and workers surrounding Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis by offering free blood tests for PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that can affect your health.
These tests are available to anyone who has lived or worked in certain areas around the base, where PFAS contaminated the local water supply.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products, including food packaging, nonstick cookware, and certain types of fire-fighting Read More
Health Care Authority Taps Three New Division Directors
HCA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) Monday announced a significant leadership overhaul with the appointment of three seasoned professionals as division directors.
Jennifer Rodriguez, Dan Lanari and Colin Baillio are tasked with driving improvements in health outcomes and services for New Mexicans.
“We are fortunate to have three experienced and capable directors to lead at the Health Care Authority,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Jennifer Rodriguez, Dan Lanari and Collin Baillio bring a wealth of knowledge Read More
NNSA Issues Update On US 84/285 Tractor-Trailer Rollover
NNSA Los Alamos Field Office News:
At 11 p.m. local time on Aug. 19, 2024, members of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Radiological Assessment Program completed a survey of the incident site on U.S. 84/285 outside Santa Fe following that day’s truck accident. (The truck was carrying demolition debris from Los Alamos National Laboratory).
Based on swipes, air samples, and radiation detection tools, it was determined there was no radiological contamination at the scene. There was not and is no threat to the public.
The scene has been physically cleared and the highway has been Read More
LAPS Work Session Aug. 22 At Pinon Elementary School
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) will hold a work session 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 at Pinon Elementary School, 90 Grand Canyon in White Rock.
The meeting is open to the public.
To join on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=9ya3XaLGT3DQAVJyauGbYKcsPQ4QWg.1&omn=87288756446
Meeting ID:
505 663 2222
Passcode:
j45K8H
If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Superintendent at Read More
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham To Speak On Health Care At Democratic National Convention Tonight
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week and speak this evening, Aug. 20, on the issue of health care.
The governor is a convention delegate and former New Mexico Secretary of Health. Democrats are expected to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s 2024 presidential candidate in Chicago this week.
Also attending the convention are Lujan Grisham’s Chief-of-Staff Dan Schlegel, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Caroline Buerkle and Communications Director Michael Coleman. Read More
Southern New Mexico Water Utility In Hot Water Again
NMELC News:
SUNLAND PARK — The New Mexico Environmental Law Center, on behalf of community members in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, submitted a request to the New Mexico Department of Justice (DOJ) and the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor Friday, Aug. 2, to investigate the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) for violations of environmental protection laws; consumer protection laws; waste, fraud, or abuse of state and federal funds; and violations of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.
Read the 24-page official request here.
This community-informed request comes months after Read More
Delving Into The Legacy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer: An Evening With Nicholas Lewis, Historian At Los Alamos National Laboratory Aug. 22 At SALA
SALA News:
As part of the ongoing Oppenheimer Festival 2024, the SALA Event Center will present an enlightening evening with Nicholas Lewis, Historian at Los Alamos National Laboratory, who will explore the lasting impact of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the visionary mind behind the atomic bomb.
Although Oppenheimer’s directorship at Los Alamos concluded in 1945, his pioneering approach to Big Science continues to influence the Lab’s operations and culture. Nicholas Lewis will offer an in-depth analysis of how Oppenheimer’s leadership and scientific strategies were not only crucial to the Read More
Barns Recaps Environmental Sustainability Board Aug. 15 Mtg
By SUE BARNS
Member
Environmental Sustainability Board
The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) met on Aug, 15 and welcomed three new members, Jyl DeHaven, Jesse Derringer and me, Sue Barns, and reappointed Shannon Blair.
We heard an overview of a symposium of national and international researchers on the topic of “Confronting the Threats of Climate Change to Global Security.” The event brought together experts from various fields to discuss the challenges posed by climate change, explore potential solutions, and develop strategies to mitigate its impact.
The Read More
Robinson: Las Cruces’ Sanctioned Homeless Encampment Works
By SHERRY ROBINSON
All She Wrote
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
Since the U.S. Supreme Court blessed local government bans on public camping, many have tried to sweep away their homeless camps. They just pop up again somewhere else, or individuals fan out to new places.
Where are they supposed to go? Courts don’t answer that question. Neither do local governments.
Except Las Cruces, where Camp Hope, a sanctioned homeless encampment, has been thriving for 13 years at no cost to taxpayers. I often wonder why officials of every New Mexico community with a homeless problem haven’t made a pilgrimage Read More
Hampton: Support Vote For RECA On House Floor
By DAVID HAMPTON
Los Alamos
Downwinders are the residents of the Tularosa Basin, who have experienced, and continue to experience to this day, high levels of cancer, infant mortality, and other ailments, since the world’s first nuclear weapon was detonated near their homes in July 1945. These ailments appear to be associated with the effects of nuclear fallout and exposure to plutonium, and are similar to those experienced from the detonations at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as sites associated with nuclear weapons production.
In spite of their suffering, they were initially excluded Read More
Governor Appoints Elizabeth Anderson State Engineer
Elizabeth Anderson
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Elizabeth Anderson as State Engineer.
Anderson, a highly respected water resources expert with more than 25 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, will assume the role immediately, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to advancing the state’s water security initiatives.
“I am pleased to appoint the first female, Elizabeth Anderson as New Mexico’s State Engineer,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Her extensive experience and dedication to water Read More
State Awards $24.8M For Nearly 200 Correctional Officers
DFA News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) committed $24.8 million to bolster public safety by funding 189 new correctional officer positions, delivering critical support to 22 local entities and the New Mexico Corrections Department.
This significant investment will help offset the cost of new correctional officer salaries for three years, reinforcing the state’s commitment to enhancing the security of its correctional facilities and safeguarding New Mexico communities.
“This $24.8 million investment is a clear message that New Mexico is Read More
Los Alamos County Open Space And Trails Management Plan Interactive Engagement Session Aug. 29
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Community Services Parks and Open Space Division is seeking feedback for the planning process to consolidate open space and trails management plans.
An in-person, interactive engagement session will be held 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 at Fuller Lodge to help Parks Parks and Open Space Division understand key community issues, priorities and goals related to trails and open space in Los Alamos County. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information on the planning process, visit the project page or contact Eric Peterson at eric.peterson@lacnm.us Read More
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Announces $3.2 Million Awarded To 17 Projects Around The State
Picuris Pueblo plans to add a bike park to the All Wheels Park that includes progressive jump lines, technical skills features, drop zones and an adaptive use/accessibility area. Courtesy/ORD
The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Association (NMOHVA) and the Carson National Forest El Rito Ranger District collaborated on replacing fence gates with cattle guards to support motorized use that also allows grazing permittees to keep cattle in designated pastures. Courtesy/ORD
ORD News:
SANTA FE — The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Read More
Stansbury On Lower Prescription Drug Costs For Seniors
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury
TATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement Aug. 15 after the Biden-Harris Administration announced they would be lowering prescription drug costs for 10 of the most popular medications for America’s seniors:
“In New Mexico, we take care of our elders – full stop. That is why the continued fight by President Biden to take on Big Pharma and to lower the costs of life-saving medication has been so important, and I’m grateful for his work,” Rep. Stansbury said. “The more than 46,000 New Mexicans on Medicare will Read More
HED: New Mexico Launching Fleet Of New Programs For Workforce Training In Adult Education
HED Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez
HED News:
Expanded ‘Integrated Education & Training’ model will help hundreds more New Mexicans earn certifications for high-demand fields of work
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) has approved dozens of education and workforce training programs as part of a significantly enhanced effort to get more New Mexicans certified in high-demand fields like nursing and early childhood development.
The 45 Integrated Education & Training (IET) programs spread across the state will provide adult learners with the opportunity Read More
Dannemann: Election Time For PERA Board
By MERILEE DANNEMANN
Triple Spaced Again
© 2024 New Mexico News Services
If you are a retiree from New Mexico state or local government, you probably recently received a letter from PERA telling you about your pension increase starting in July. PERA is the Public Employees Retirement Association, which administers your pension.
You probably also received a packet from PERA inviting you to vote in the PERA board election, which is taking place now by mail. That packet contains a mail-in ballot, which must be received by Sept. 13 to count. You must sign the outer envelope.
Municipal and state employees Read More
BLM Seeks Public Input On Supplemental NEPA Analysis For Farmington Field Office Drilling Permits
BLM News:
SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public input on a supplemental analysis of applications for permits to drill (APDs) that were challenged in Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment v. Bernhardt, 1:19-cv-00703 (D.N.M.).
This supplemental analysis provides additional information and data that are substantive and relevant to BLM’s informed decision making and public disclosure process.
In 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit found that the BLM failed to sufficiently analyze the impact of emissions of greenhouse gases and hazardous Read More
Families & Workers Fund Selects NMDWS For $1.5M Grant
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Out of more than 450 applications, the Families and Workers Fund selected the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ Energy Transition Workforce Equity project to be one of 14 awardees of the Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge.
The Energy Transition Workforce Equity project will support NMDWS’ efforts to develop and expand New Mexico’s qualified clean energy workforce capacity. The new project will include systemic, coordinated, and regular convenings of a diverse, comprehensive, representative partnership of employers, Read More
County Council To Hold Closed Session Aug. 20
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council will meet in closed session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave.
The purpose of the closed session is to discuss the purchase, acquisition or disposal of real property. (Closed Session Pursuant to NMSA, 1978 10-15-1 (H) (8)).
The complete agenda packet for this meeting has been published and is available online. Read More
