Joseph Hezir Confirmed As DOE’s New CFO
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joseph Hezir was confirmed by the Senate this morning as the Department of Energy’s Chief Financial Officer.
“Joe’s experience in the energy, environmental and budgetary realms and his strategic approach to challenges make him a great fit as Chief Financial Officer for the agency,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “I look forward to working with him as CFO and I thank the Senate for approving his nomination.”
As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Hezir will work to assure the effective management and financial integrity of Department of Energy. He will help to implement Read More
Dr. Franklin Orr Confirmed As Under Secretary For Science And Energy At DOE
Franklin M. ‘Lynn’ Orr Jr.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Franklin (Lynn) Orr was confirmed by the Senate this morning, as the Under Secretary for Science and Energy at the Department of Energy.
“Lynn Orr is an outstanding scientist and has successfully led a major multidisciplinary program on energy sources, technology and analysis at one of the top research universities. This experience will serve him well as the DOE Under Secretary for Science and Energy,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said. “I look forward to working closely with Lynn to shape the nation’s clean energy agenda, and Read More
Udall Secures Provisions In NDAA To Improve Tech Transfer At New Mexico’s National Laboratories
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced Wednesday that he has successfully pushed for key reforms to fund technology transfer at New Mexico’s national laboratories and upgrade how the federal government buys and manages information technology (IT) as part of a critical national defense bill.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Udall has championed tech transfer and IT reform, and the inclusion of his provisions in the end-of-year National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will help researchers spin off new businesses Read More
Heinrich Secures Provisions In Defense Authorization Act To Strengthen N.M. Military Bases, National Security
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., successfully included several key provisions in the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen national security and New Mexico’s military bases, and boost the economy.
The NDAA sets the Department of Defense (DOD) spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year.
“New Mexico’s military bases are home to thousands of men and women who dedicate their lives to the safety and security of our great nation,” Heinrich said. Read More
Manhattan Project National Historical Park Included In National Defense Authorization Act Finalized Tonight!
Sen. Tom Udall
U.S. SENATE News:
Several landmark conservation and energy bills, including the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act, championed by Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was finalized tonight.
Sen. Martin Heinrich
The critical annual bill is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate before the end of the year. https:////rules.house.gov/.
“We are closer than ever to making historic gains in protecting some of New Mexico’s most treasured landscapes,” Heinrich
Heinrich To Deliver Keynote At Quality Of Life Initiative Symposium In Santa Fe
SFCC News:
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. will deliver the keynote address to kick off the second annual Quality of Life Initiative Symposium at 1:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the Santa Fe Community College.
The two-day symposium, entitled, “Education, Engagement, Empowerment, Equity,” will focus on ways the community can strengthen their efforts to improve the quality of life in Santa Fe’s south side.
Heinrich will be joined by local leaders, including Santa Fe City Councilors Carmichael Dominguez and Chris Rivera, and health, education, Read More
Urgent Response Needed From Community Now!
HISTORICAL SOCIETY News:
It looks like the legislation for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park may be crashing today but it’s still being discussed on the floor so urgent action from the community is needed now.
Please call Sen. Martin Heinrich, p: (202) 224-5521, and Sen. Tom Udall, (202) 224-6621 immediatley and ask them to talk to their colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee to support the Park as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
If you can’t get through on the phone, please e-mail them at https:////www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=contact Read More
Heinrich Calls For Full Funding Of PILT, SRS For Critical Local Government Services
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., joined a bipartisan coalition urging Senate leaders to fully fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in any end-of-year legislation.
“Moving forward, we hope that we can work together to seek a long-term solution to provide a consistent and stable source of funding for the nation’s counties containing federal lands,” the lawmakers wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. “As we approach the end Read More
Governor To Light State Christmas Tree Monday
Gov. Susana Martinez will participate in the annual lighting of the New Mexico State Christmas Tree Monday evening in Santa Fe. The community is invited to attend and enjoy hot apple cider and biscochitos. The tree lighting ceremony is 5:15 p.m. in the southwest corner of the state capitol grounds at 490 Old Santa Fe Trail. Photo is of the tree lighting in 2011. Courtesy/NMGO Read More
Udall Nominates Three Los Alamos Students To United States Service Academies
U.S. SENATE News:WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. Tom Udall has announced 43 New Mexico students who have received his nomination to attend a United States service academy beginning in 2015, including three students from Los Alamos.
A congressional, vice-presidential, or service-connected nomination is required for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students receiving Udall’s nomination completed a competitive application process, which included an interview with the senator’s
Udall, Heinrich Back DOD Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. are supporting the Department of Defense’s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes in order to better protect soldiers and their families from abusive financial practices. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the Senators expressed strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.
“As our service members are asked to take Read More
LAPS Officials File School Board Election Resolution
Los Alamos County Clerk Sharon Stover receives the school board election resolution in her office this morning from LAPS Superintendent Dr. Gene Schmidt, LAPS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Montoya and School Board President Judy Bjarke-McKenzie. They filed the school board election resolution to put people on notice that they should run for school board, Dr. Schmidt said. The election is Feb 3, 2015 and includes positions 3, 4 and 5, all of which are on the hill. Candidates must reside within the boundaries of the position they are running for. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost Read More
Residents Encouraged To Run For Local School Board
LAPS News:
With the Dec. 16 sign up deadline for those interested in running for a seat on the Los Alamos School Board fast approaching, Board President Judy Bjarke-McKenzie is encouraging residents to consider applying.
“Get ready to serve your community,” Bjarke-McKenzie said. “There are many critical decisions the school system will be making including the selection of the next school superintendent. Serving on the School Board gives residents a voice in the future direction of the school system.”
Any resident of the District, who is a “qualified elector” (qualified to vote under the Read More
Udall Statement On DOD’s Chuck Hagel Stepping Down
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Governor To Recognize New Mexico True Heroes
Gov. Susana Martinez
STATE News:
Gov. Susana Martinez will be in Albuquerque at 2 p.m. today to recognize the extraordinary citizens being honored as New Mexico True Heroes.
Through a partnership with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, the New Mexico True Heroes program honors four New Mexicans who contribute to making their communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
The Governor will recognize:
- John Masterson, Roswell, is being recognized for his bravery in ceasing a school shooting at Berrendo Middle School in early 2014. Masterson is a married father of three who teaches social
Egolf, Stapleton, Caballero Make Up House Democrats New Leadership Team For 2015-2016
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Democrats in the New Mexico House of Representatives have elected a new Floor Leader, Whip and Caucus Chair for the 52nd Legislature.
Floor Leader Rep. Brian Egolf
Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, who was elected on the first ballot, will represent the Democrats as their new Floor Leader.
Egolf has served in the House since 2009 and has chaired the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Minority Whip Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton
Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Bernalillo, elected in 1995, will represent the Democrats Read More
Udall, Heinrich Seek Additional Resources For WIPP
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Congress finalizes its fiscal year 2015 spending bills, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced they are seeking continued support for funding for the recovery of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad.
In a letter to Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, the senators urged them to provide an additional $113 million above 2014 funding levels to ensure ongoing recovery efforts are maintained and the facility can safely resume operation.
WIPP has been closed Read More
Heinrich Introduces Bill To Boost Tech Transfer
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced S. 2932, the Microlab Technology Commercialization Act of 2014, a bill to accelerate technology transfer by establishing off-campus microlabs that would serve as the “front-door” to national laboratories.
The microlabs would give academia, local government, businesses owners, and communities direct access to the equipment, facilities and personnel of our national labs.
“If Read More
Gov. Announces Changes In Cabinet Secretary Posts
Gov. Susana Martinez
SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez has announced four cabinet level appointments taking effect Dec. 1:
- Kelly Zuni replaces Art Allison as cabinet secretary of the Department of Indian Affairs;
- Jay Mitchell replaces Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Secretary Greg Myers;
- Tom Blaine replaces Scott Verhines as New Mexico’s state engineer; and
- Brent Earnest replaces Sidonie Squier as cabinet secretary of the Human Services Department.
The changes will take effect Dec. 1.
“We’ve accomplished a great deal in the last four years, and I’m Read More
Sheriff Lucero Hosts Appreciation Event For Supporters
Los Alamos County Sheriff Marco Lucero with his wife Sandra, center standing, hosted an appreciation event Friday night at the Posse Lodge for the many community members who supported his reelection campaign. ‘Everyone of them helped with my campaign and I appreciate their efforts so much,’ Lucero said. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
