BLM Seeks Input Through Feb. 20 For May 2026 Sale Of Oil And Gas Leases In New Mexico And Texas
BLM News:
SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management has opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 74 oil and gas parcels totaling 33,530 acres in New Mexico and Texas in a May 2026 sale.
The comment period ends Feb. 20, 2026.
The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in December 2025 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations Read More
Davis: Thank You Los Alamos High School Students!
By ADAM DAVIS
Formerly of Los Alamos
Dear LAHS students,
I was just informed today of the demonstrations that took place on Friday at Ashley Pond (link). I want to tell you how very proud I am of you for speaking up about issues such as what you spoke out on: issues that matter, issues that affect so many of us.
Thank you so much for honoring the legacy of Tinker v. Des Moines. It thrills me to see and hear young people paying attention to, discussing, and speaking out on such important issues. Don’t worry about “walking out” of school. Two days ago, you took your education beyond the classroom where Read More
Only Bail Proposal Of Session Shot Down In ‘Kill Committee’
A view of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A proposal to overhaul pretrial release in New Mexico—the only such measure introduced so far in the 30-day session, despite it being a much-discussed topic—is being held captive in committee.
The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, known as the “kill committee” due to its reputation for voting down Republican bills, tabled a proposed constitutional amendment Thursday to ask voters whether judges should be given more leeway in deciding if a criminal defendant needs to be held behind bars. Read More
County Board Of Public Utilities To Hold Work Session Feb. 4
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities will hold its first work session of 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
The complete agenda packet is available here.
Members of the public may view proceedings online or attend and provide public comment in person or via Zoom. The public may also watch BPU meetings at ladpu.com/BPULiveProceedings. Read More
County Council To Meet In Regular Session Tuesday Feb. 3
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council will meet in Regular Session at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.
This meeting is in person and open to the public. However, for convenience, the following Zoom meeting link and/or telephone call-in numbers may be used for public viewing and participation: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85448619994
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 346 248 7799 or + 1 346 248 7799 or + +1 669 444 9171 US or + 1 719 359 4580 or +1 720 707 2699
Webinar ID: 854 4861 9994 Read More
Legislative Roundup: 19 Days Left In Session
The Santa Fe New Mexican:
Senate panel approves help for well owners: A bill that could help New Mexicans struggling with contaminated wells — including Mora County residents whose wells have been polluted by heavy metals that may be connected to the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and residents south of Santa Fe dealing with PFAS — received unanimous approval from the Senate Conservation Committee Saturday morning.
“This is really important for our communities,” said Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.
Sponsored by Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, Senate Read More
New Mexico House Passes Immigrant Safety Act
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Jan. 30, the House passed the Immigrant Safety Act by a vote of 40-29. House Bill 9 would prevent New Mexico state and local governments from contracting with federal Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain individuals for civil immigration violations.
The bill would also prohibit state and local governments from entering into agreements to deputize local officers or employees to perform immigration functions. It would not interfere with law enforcement’s authority to detain individuals for criminal charges or investigatory purposes.
“More than a thousand Read More
Bill To Ban ICE Detention Contracts In New Mexico Passes House, Heads To Senate
By NATHAN BROWN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A lengthy debate over a proposal to get rid of New Mexico’s immigration detention centers pitted rural conservatives who fear lost jobs and empty main streets against Democrats who view it as a moral imperative to stop aiding the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
“On principle and on the values of the state of New Mexico we no longer want to have this practice done in our state,” co-sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, said Friday afternoon on the House floor.
Romero condemned what she called “gross violations of human rights” Read More
Sen. David Gallegos Introduces Critical ‘Safe Haven Baby Box’ Legislation, Requests Message From Governor
Sen. David Gallegos with the Martinez Family and baby Michael, who was placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box in Belen in 2024 and adopted by the Martinez family in 2025. Courtesy photo
New Mexico Senate Republicans News:
SANTA FE — Senate Republican Caucus Chair David Gallegos (R-Eunice) introduced necessary legislation (SB 206) on Jan. 30 to ensure the protection of women who may elect to anonymously place their newborn child in a ‘Safe Haven Baby Box’.
If passed, this legislation would alleviate potential legal exposure that local communities throughout New Mexico have cited as the primary reason Read More
New Mexico House Panel Passes Medical Malpractice Bill–Without Protections For Corporate Hospitals
Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez, R-Hobbs, right, gets emotional while discussing her mother’s battle with cancer during a House Health and Human Services Committee hearing Friday on amendments to House Bill 99 at the state Capitol. HB 99 calls for caps on punitive damages in medical malpractice cases in New Mexico. Photo by Matt Dahlseid/The New Mexican
By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The day before Valarie Gee’s son underwent a routine cardiac procedure, he was “jumping in the swimming pool” and running around, she said.
The next day, she added, the procedure left him paralyzed.
“When medical Read More
New Mexico’s $1.5 Billion Road Bonding Bill Passes House
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s $1.5 billion transportation bonding package cleared the New Mexico House of Representatives on Friday, sending the measure to the governor’s desk and positioning the state to tackle a massive backlog of road and bridge projects.
The bonding package creates a stable, predictable funding source for state road construction for years to come and frees up general fund money to support local road construction and maintenance. The package also positions the state to better match federal infrastructure funding, which can Read More
New Mexico Medical Society Addresses HB 99
From the New Mexico Medical Society:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS) is encouraged that HB 99 has advanced out of the House Health & Human Services Committee, reflecting bipartisan recognition that New Mexico must act to stabilize access to healthcare and address the growing physician shortage.
At the same time, the Medical Society is deeply concerned about an amendment adopted in committee that leaves a considerable number of healthcare organizations exposed to uncapped punitive damages.
Protecting access to care requires a coherent and consistent medical liability Read More
Scenes From ICE Protest By Students At Ashley Pond Park
Local student co-organizerAbel Sayre speaks to the crowd of students gathered this afternoon to protest ICE. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Co-organizerAbel Sayre speaks to students gathered this afternoon to protest ICE. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Scene from the ICE protest held today by students at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Scene from the ICE protest held today by students at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Scene from the ICE protest held today by students at Ashley Pond Park. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More
New Mexico House Republicans Unveil Tax Plan To Protect Paychecks, Support Families, And Help Seniors Keep More Of What They Earn
From New Mexico House Republican:
SANTA FE — House Republicans are rolling out a comprehensive Tax Relief Plan focused on one simple goal: letting New Mexicans keep more of their own money.
Families across our state are working harder, paying more, and getting less in return. Our tax plan takes a different approach. Instead of growing government, we are cutting taxes on work, supporting family choice, and protecting retirement income.
Protecting Paychecks and Rewarding Work
Work should be rewarded, not penalized. Our tax plan includes HB 264, a major piece of legislation that updates New Read More
Santa Fe World Affairs Forum To Present ‘Trillion Dollar War Machine: Rethinking Security At Home & Abroad’
William D Hartung
SFWAF News:
Santa Fe World Affairs Forum (SFWAF) invites the community to a SFWAF lunch program discussion with Senior Researcher William D Hartung of The Quincy Institute on the “Trillion Dollar War Machine: Rethinking Security at Home & Abroad”.
The event is 12-2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, in the Board Room (Rm #223), at Santa Fe Community College.
Hartung focuses on the arms industry and the US military budget. He was previously director of the Arms and Security Program at the Center for International Policy and the co-director of the Center’s Sustainable Defense Task Force. Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Announces DOJ Launch Of Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Online Claims Portal
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a new online portal for Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims, implementing the recently extended and expanded program.
Prior to the launch of this online portal, Sen. Luján and the New Mexico Delegation sent an open letter to New Mexico’s holders of health care records, birth and death records, tax records, school records and any other necessary records to request their full cooperation in delivering long overdue justice for Read More
New Mexico Department Of Workforce Solutions Launches Statewide Leadership Training To Address Homelessness
NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A new statewide leadership training series launched today as the state aims to strengthen New Mexico’s response to homelessness and housing instability.
The five-session series will cover leadership, data storytelling, equitable staffing, financial stewardship, and trauma-informed critical incident debriefing. The initiative combines expert-led training with facilitated peer conversations, creating space for leaders to share proven strategies, align efforts and address real-time challenges facing communities Read More
Anti-Gun Trafficking Bill Would Hold New Mexico Firearm Dealers Accountable
By NICHOLAS GILMORE
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Sponsors of a controversial Senate bill that would ban some types of semi-automatic rifles and place new security regulations on firearms retailers argue New Mexico law doesn’t provide adequate oversight of gun dealers.
“We regulate alcohol and cannabis more strictly than we regulate gun dealers,” Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, told a Senate committee this week. “This just simply asks dealers to do what responsible businesses already do.”
But Senate Bill 17 has ignited impassioned opposition from Republicans Read More
House Bill Would Expand Medicare Consumer Protections
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE – State aging and insurance officials are urging lawmakers to support Senate Bill 21 and strengthen consumer protections for Medicare enrollees who have Medigap coverage.
The bill would allow beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare and Medigap supplemental to change Medigap plans during an annual open enrollment period, preventing insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The bill is sponsored by Senators Liz Stefanics, Pete Campos, Rex Wilson, Martin Hickey, and Representative Tara Lujan.
“Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare—especially Read More
Senate Leader Wirth ‘Feeling Positive’ About Getting Big Bills To Gov. Lujan Grisham
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Three priority pieces of legislation Democrats set a goal of getting to the governor’s desk by the halfway mark of the 30-day session made it across the Senate in a flash.
But the bills have yet to even get a hearing in the House.
Senate bills 1, 2 and 3 cleared the chamber by the fourth day of the session last week, handing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham an early victory in her legislative agenda for the last session of her second term.
As of Wednesday afternoon, only SB 2 — a $1.5 billion road bonding package — was scheduled for a committee hearing. It is set Read More
