Luján Speaks On Senate Floor, Secures Motion In Support Of National Labs
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SNATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) spoke on the Senate Floor today in support of his Motion to Instruct, which urges the Congressional conferees of the Bipartisan Innovation Bill to support National Laboratories and the Department of Energy.
Following the Senator’s speech and consideration by the Senate, Luján’s bipartisan motion was passed.
“Our National Labs are a research crown jewel, and countries like China are taking notice of our progress, Luján said. As China works to build out their own national lab network modeled after our Read More
New Mexico Department of Transportation And Encourage Promote Safe Rides Home For Cinco De Mayo
NMDOT News:
ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and its partners are promoting a safe ride home program to combat drunk driving in New Mexico.
Since 2018, NMDOT has partnered with Bernalillo County, the city of Albuquerque, Cumulus radio stations and Uber to provide more than 26,000 safe rides home by supporting the “Take a Ride on Us” program for people living in the Bernalillo County metro area.
This Cinco de Mayo, the program offers 750 participants living in and around Albuquerque an Uber credit of up to $10, two rides per person, beginning noon today, May 5 through Read More
Heather Benavidez Seeks To Serve As State Treasurer
Heather Benavidez is running for State Treasurer and recently visited the Los Alamos Daily Post to speak about her candidacy. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Heather Benavidez is running on the Democratic ticket to be the next Treasurer of the State of New Mexico. If elected, she will make history as the first woman to hold this statewide office.
As state treasurer she would represent all 33 counties in New Mexico including Los Alamos. She recently visited the Los Alamos Daily Post to speak about her desire to serve.
“I am Read More
Luján Advances Bipartisan Legislation To Bolster Outdoor Recreation, Promote Biking On Federal Lands
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) celebrated the passage of the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which included his legislation, the Biking On Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act. Sen. Luján introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) to bolster outdoor recreation and promote biking on federal lands across the United States.
Capitalizing on New Mexico’s 21 million acres of rich landscapes is vital to the state’s economy. In New Mexico, Read More
Former Los Alamos Chief Deputy Assessor Seeks To Serve Rio Arriba County
Former Los Alamos County Chief Deputy Assessor Joaquin Valdez stopped by the Los Alamos Daily Post recently to discuss his campaign for Rio Arriba County Assessor. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Former Los Alamos Chief Deputy Assessor Joaquin Valdez has announced his decision to run for Rio Arriba County Assessor.
Valdez spoke about the depth of qualifications and experience he would bring to the office.
“I believe that it is very beneficial for a person in any position to understand the components of each function Read More
Council Action Taken Tuesday May 3
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Improvements for the Los Alamos County Golf Course will continue as a result of Los Alamos County Council unanimously approving a $393,000 contract with iConsult LLC and GrassRoots Design during its regular meeting Tuesday night.
The motion was passed 6-0; Councilor Keith Lepsch was not in attendance.
The project, which focuses on design development, is divided into two phases, Community Services Department Director Cory Styron said.
He explained the first phase will address holes number four through 18. The second phase Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Commends Decision To Resume Honor Flight Program For Veterans To Visit Washington, D.C.
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the resumption of the Honor Flight Program for veterans to visit Washington, D.C.:
“I’m glad the National Park Service heeded our call to resume police escort services for Honor Flight visits,” Luján said. “These trips give our veterans a chance to tell their stories, honor their service, and mourn lost friends.
“Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms and without escorts from the U.S. Park Police may not be able to fully experience the Read More
Biden Signs Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Request For Presidential Disaster Declaration For New Mexico Due To Wildfires
From the Office of the Governor:
Request allows individuals and communities affected by wildfires to begin applying for assistance
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced this evening that President Joe Biden has approved her request to declare a major disaster in New Mexico due to multiple wildfires burning around the state, unlocking millions of dollars in relief for affected individuals and communities.
“New Mexicans cannot wait for these fires to be extinguished to receive relief,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “That’s why I expedited the state’s request for emergency aid for individuals,
Mitigation Efforts Continue To Fight Cerro Pelado Fire; More Favorable Conditions Expected Over Next Few Days
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos County and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Los Alamos Field Office have issued an update to the community this afternoon on the status of the fire burning in Jemez Mountains:
The Cerro Pelado Fire in the Jemez Mountains has burned 26,927 acres, is 5.16 miles from Los Alamos National Laboratory property and 10 miles from Los Alamos County (see map here).
More than 560 personnel are working the fire. Proactive efforts to control the fire by reducing fuels, creating fire breaks and air dropping retardant have helped limit Read More
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration For New Mexico Wildfires
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo- Request comes ahead of schedule, will get relief to New Mexicans faster
Heinrich Makes Progress On Locally-Driven Outdoor Conservation, Recreation Priorities As Legislation Advances Out Of Committee
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tuesday, during a business meeting in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) increased momentum on key locally-driven outdoor conservation and recreation priorities.
Heinrich advanced by unanimous consent legislation to establish Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico. Heinrich’s legislation would preserve traditional uses and provide sanctuary to a wide range of wildlife species, while maintaining current access routes. Find a map of Read More
DOI Deputy Secretary Visits New Mexico To Highlight Infrastructure Law Investments In Water, Drought Resilience & Ecosystem Restoration
DOI News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau will travel to Albuquerque at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, May 4, to highlight the historic investments in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for water infrastructure, drought resilience and ecosystem restoration.
Deputy Secretary Beaudreau and Rep. Melanie Stansbury will tour the New Belen Wasteway, a Bureau of Reclamation project that will provide operational flexibilities to respond to long-term drought, ensure that irrigation water can be returned to the Rio Grande, and support Read More
County Manager Gives Update On Cerro Pelado Fire
Los Alamos County Manager Steven Lynne
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Manager Steven Lynne and Emergency Services Commander Beverley Simpson provided an update on the Cerro Pelado Fire during tonight’s Los Alamos County Council meeting.
Lynne commented that for the majority of today, the winds were not as bad as expected, which was a positive. He said the winds were not so bad that air support had to be halted.
Additionally, he reported that tomorrow temperatures are expected to be cooler and winds lighter. However, later in the week Read More
Luján On New Mexico Wildfires And Fire Resources
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement this afternoon on the New Mexico wildfires:
“As the largest wildfire in the country continues to grow in New Mexico, I am praying for all New Mexicans who are impacted by this emergency. New Mexicans are strong and resilient, and we will get through this together.
“Please protect your families, our brave first responders, and our beloved state by staying up-to-date and following evacuation protocols. Buildings can be replaced, but lives cannot.
“I have been in touch Read More
Gov. Lujan Grisham Issues Statement On Reported Draft Supreme Court Opinion On Roe V. Wade
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement following the report of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade:
“The Supreme Court appears poised to overturn 50 years of constitutional protections for women to access safe and legal abortions. This decision is catastrophic and will have consequences that will negatively impact generations.
“I am outraged and horrified. While many of us have predicted – and feared – this moment, nothing prepares you for the shock. The ramifications
Chart 639: COVID-19 Diagnoses In Los Alamos Remain Higher Than National And State Averages
This chart shows the seven-day average number of COVID-19 diagnoses per 100,000 people versus date nationwide, statewide and countywide. COVID-19 diagnoses in Los Alamos County remain higher than the national average and the state average. Sources: New York Times and New Mexico Department of Health. Created by Eli Ben-Naim Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome $536,200 In American Rescue Plan Funds To Develop Jemez Pueblo Energy Independence Study
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are welcoming $536,200 in American Rescue Plan grant funding to the Pueblo of Jemez for a feasibility study for the Tribe’s energy independence.
This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program.
“I visited the Pueblo of Jemez recently and was greatly impressed with the way the Pueblo is putting the resources from the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Law to work addressing long-term infrastructure Read More
Subcommittee On National Parks, Forests, Public Lands Holds Hearing On Leger Fernández’s Historic Preservation Enhancement Act
U.S Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing Thursday on U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández’s bill, H.R. 6589, the Historic Preservation Enhancement Act.
The U.S. National Park Service announced its support for the legislation with amendments. Additionally, Reno Keoni Franklin, Chairman of the Kashia Pomo Tribe and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians, spoke in support of the legislation.
This legislation will provide permanent authorization Read More
New Mexico Representatives Tour Southern Border
House Majority Leader Javier Martínez
STATE News:
SANTA TERESA — New Mexico House Majority Leader Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and State Rep. Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino) toured the border industrial complex Thursday in Santa Teresa.
Lawmakers were invited by the Border Industrial Association to tour the area and learn about the growing manufacturing and distribution center. The border area is important to New Mexico’s cultural identity, given the states strong historic and cultural ties to Mexico, and to the economy, as the largest export base and the second largest industrial Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Joins Colleagues To Introduce Spectrum Innovation Act To Free Up Air Waves
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) joined U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA-18) and Bob Latta (R-OH-05) Thursday to introduce the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022, legislation that would free up new airwaves for wireless broadband use by the public.
“With such great capabilities to provide essential needs to the American people, the federal government cannot stand by while countless citizens, in New Mexico and across the country, are stuck struggling with little to no internet connection,” said Sen. Luján, Chairman of the Read More
