Luján Statement On Waste Spill In The Animas River
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray LujánCONGRESSIONAL News:
SANTA FE ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today on Wednesday’s toxic spill of mine waste that has reached the Animas River:
“The Animas River is a vital source of water to communities in San Juan County and this spill that has released heavy metals into the water is of great concern. The EPA must act swiftly and thoroughly to mitigate the effects of this spill.
“I am closely monitoring the situation and my office has been in close contact with EPA to see that the appropriate
Contaminated Plume From Gold King Mine Toxic Spill Expected To Pass Aztec/Farmington Area This Evening
Gold King Mine toxic spill. Courtesy photo
NMED News:
SANTA FE – A contaminated plume from the Gold King Mine toxic spill is expected to pass the Aztec/Farmington area this evening, according to New Mexico Environment Department.
The spill occurred Wednesday when an EPA team probing contamination at the abandoned mine accidentally released a million gallons of orange-hued waste water into a local river system, according to the EPA. The waste water contains sediment and metals that had been held behind a barrier near the mine. It spilled into Cement Creek, which flows into the Animas River in Read More
Opposition Mounts To Proposal Increasing Cougar Hunting And Trapping In New Mexico
APNM Wildlife Campaign Manager Phil Carter
APNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexicans of all stripes are opposed to proposed changes to the state Bear & Cougar Rule released Monday by New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF).
The ill-conceived and problematic proposals seek to expand the use of cruel trap and snare devices to kill cougars by eliminating the permit requirement for property owners to set traps for the native big cat species and by allowing the use of traps and snares on cougars on State Trust lands, which total nine million acres across New Mexico.
The department also is recommending Read More
Heinrich To Host Outreach Sessions On Two-Generation Approach To Economic Empowerment
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. will bring together families, local service providers, and administrators from across New Mexico for outreach sessions to discuss a two-generation approach to creating economic opportunities and addressing the needs of both vulnerable children and their parents.
In Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces, Heinrich will highlight programs taking a two-generation approach to early childhood education, employment and job-training, and health and well-being that put the entire family Read More
NMED Reminds Animas River Water Users To Stop Taking Water Following EPA Gold King Mine Toxin Spill
State Engineer Tom Blaine
NMED News:
SANTA FE —The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer remind water users along the Animas River to stop taking water from the Animas River during the EPA Gold King Mine Spill that released about one million gallons of contaminated water Wednesday into a tributary of the Animas River in Colorado.
“We have successfully reached out to the communities, water systems, and other stakeholders who rely upon the Animas River for water supplies and they have ceased taking river water,” State Engineer Tom Blaine said. “Despite Read More
Russians Hack Pentagon’s E-mail
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter
HSNW News:
- Government-backed hackers breach Joint Chiefs e-mail server
Russian government-backed hackers have managed to hack the Pentagon’s unclassified e-mail server used by the office of the Joint Chiefs. Military officials said Thursday that the sophistication of the attack shows that it has been conducted by hackers with the resources typically available only to states.
The e-mail system was taken offline as soon as the intrusion was detected.
CNN reports that the attacks on the Pentagon’s e-mail system resembles the type of attacks Read More
Governor Joins US-Mexico Summit Panel Discussion
State Gov. Susana MartinezCounty Clerk And Staff To Visit With Citizens At Ashley Pond Park After Parade Saturday
Los Alamo County Bureau of Elections Manager Gloria A. Maestas, left, and Clerk Sharon Stover during the 2014 election season. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
COUNTY News:
- 2016 Elections … Closer than you think!
Los Alamo County Clerk Sharon Stover and staff invite citizens to stop by and visit their booth following the parade until 2 p.m. Saturday at Ashley Pond Park.
Stover and staff will be on hand to talk about the upcoming 2016 Elections and offer voter registration services. With the 2016 Elections right around the corner, the Clerk’s Office also will have a voting machine Read More
Bench Warrant Round Up Will Follow Amnesty Period To Encourage Parents To Pay Child Support
Gov. Susana Martinez
STATE News:
SANTA FE — For the fourth year in a row, Gov. Susana Martinez has announced a crackdown on parents who aren’t paying child support.
The child support bench warrant operation starts this week and continues through the end of the month.
“You have to contribute to the upbringing of your children – there are no excuses,” Martinez said. “We are committed to standing up for New Mexico’s children and ensuring that parents are upholding their responsibilities. If you owe child support, now is the time to fulfill your obligation. Otherwise, law enforcement will hold you Read More
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz Addresses Iran Accord
DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz
DOE News:
CHICAGO — United States Energy Secretary Ernest J. Moniz, the nuclear physicist who played a central role in helping conclude the Iran nuclear agreement, will join The Chicago Council on Global Affairs for a roundtable discussion moderated by ambassador Ivo H. Daalder, president of the Council, Friday, Aug. 7.
The discussion will cover the landscape of the historic deal — its key provisions, structured implementation and global implications. Moniz said the agreement “prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, provides strong verification measures Read More
Luján On Today’s 50th Anniversary Of Voting Rights Act
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
SANTA FE – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today celebrating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act:
“Fifty years ago today, at a time when millions of people across the nation were disenfranchised because of the color of their skin, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the historic Voting Rights Act. The tireless efforts of so many brave civil rights activists were enshrined in a law that would protect the sacred right to vote. While the VRA has been reauthorized Read More
Oak Ridge Protesters Among Winners Of 2015 Nuclear-Free Future Award
BN News:Jonathan Elkind Confirmed As DOE Assistant Secretary For International Affairs
Jonathan Elkind
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today confirmed Jonathan Elkind as the Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for International Affairs.
“Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in international energy issues to the Department,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said. “I thank the Senate for confirming Assistant Secretary Elkind and look forward to continuing my work with him in support of the nation’s global energy agenda.”
As assistant secretary, Elkind will oversee the Department’s extensive international engagements and Read More
Dr. Monica Regalbuto Confirmed As DOE Assistant Secretary For Environmental Management
Dr. Monica Regalbuto
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today confirmed Dr. Monica Regalbuto as the Department of Energy’s assistant secretary for environmental management.
“Having served in both the Office of Environmental Management and the Office of Nuclear Energy, Monica is more than ready for her new role at the Department,” DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz said. “Her hands-on experience in all aspects of nuclear waste cleanup and her tenure as an Argonne National Lab scientist have prepared her for the position of assistant secretary for environmental management. I thank the Read More
U.S. Rep. Luján Meets With Los Alamos Constituents
LARSO Director Pauline Schneider helps Rep. Ben Ray Luján sign in at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Luján is visiting with constituents today at the Center. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Citizens sign in this morning to speak privately with Rep. Ben Ray Luján at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
Rep. Ben Ray Luján, left, speaks with Los Alamos resident Eric Fairfield. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.comAFTNM President Responds To Changes In New Mexico Teacher Evaluations
AFTNM President Stephanie Ly
EDUCATION News:
- ALBUQUERQUE – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFTNM) President Stephanie Ly released the following statement regarding changes to NM teacher evaluations saying it represents minimal effort from the Public Education Department to remedy the flawed system:
“Word of changes to the teacher evaluation system in New Mexico under Secretary Skandera and Governor Martinez should be welcome news, however, these recently announced changes represent only a superficial effort which leaves a vast majority of veteran educators still persecuted Read More
Governor Announces Funding For Key Highway Infrastructure Projects In New Mexico
STATE News:
ARTESIA — Today, Gov. Susana Martinez announced the funding of several key, large-scale highway infrastructure projects in New Mexico.
The projects will be funded, in part, by a $45 million infusion of state infrastructure dollars that the Governor fought hard to secure, and which were approved during the recent special legislative session.
“New Mexico’s roads and highways are literally the foundation of our commerce,” Martinez said. “Investing in our roads will keep our families safe and provide a stronger foundation for economic growth. That’s why we’re working to complete Read More
Udall Votes To Protect Women’s Health Care Funding
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall voted against an effort to cut off life-saving health care services for women in New Mexico by de-funding Planned Parenthood.
Udall issued the following statement:
“Planned Parenthood provides critical health care and preventive services, such as cancer screenings and tests, for women and men, many of whom do not have access to services elsewhere. I’m not going to allow this life-saving care to be cut off for thousands in New Mexico.
“Exploiting women’s health care for political gain does Read More
Secretary Moniz Statement On Release Of Final Clean Power Plan Rules
U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued their final Clean Power Plan rule that will encourage energy innovation by reducing the carbon emissions from America’s power plants.
Below is the statement from Secretary Moniz:
“Before President Barack Obama took office, America did not have a comprehensive national plan to avert the worst impacts of climate change. Seven years later, we are cutting carbon emissions from our cars, our trucks, Read More
Sierra Club: New Mexicans Applaud First-Ever Plan To Curb Carbon Pollution
SIERRA CLUB News:
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico faith leaders along with clean air and clean energy advocates today applaud President Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for finalizing the first-ever national protections from dangerous carbon pollution from existing power plants.
These new standards, which are part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, will advance the growth of clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency in New Mexico and across the country while reducing dangerous carbon pollution from existing power plants. The new protections will also help reduce Read More
