DOE Invests $17 Million in Small Businesses
DOE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Building on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to continue U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation, the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has awarded $17 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects to help small businesses in 13 states develop prototype technologies that could improve manufacturing energy efficiency, reduce the cost of installing clean energy projects, and generate electricity from renewable energy sources.
These projects will include technologies such Read More
VA Pressed on Delay of Open Air Burn Pit Registry
U.S. Senate News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric K. Shinseki Wednesday, U.S. Senators Tom Udall, D-N.M., a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations subcommittee and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pressed the VA for answers regarding its failure to diligently and expeditiously implement the Open Air Burn Pit Registry as mandated under Section 201 of PL 112-260, which Udall and Corker coauthored and introduced in 2011.
“As you know from previous Read More
Los Alamos American Legion Riders Escort ‘The Wall That Heals’ to Santa Fe
Members of the Los Alamos Chapter of the American Legion Riders joined the New Mexico Patriot Guard in escorting ‘The Wall That Heals’ Tuesday from west of Albuquerque to Ft. Marcy Park in Santa Fe where it will be on display this week. Los Alamos American Legion Riders from left, Jim Hay, Fred Humphry, Ron Shuttles, Ken Nadeau, Dave Bullock and Chris Larribas. Photo by Los Alamos Rider Randi MooreSANTA FE—A half-size replica of the National Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is now in Santa Fe for a six-day stop. The Wall That Heals arrived Tuesday
Heinrich Co-signs Letter to Protect LGBT Workers
Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. co-signed a letter Wednesday calling on President Barack Obama to issue an executive order banning contractors from receiving federal government contracts unless they have a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The letter was led by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and is signed by more than 175 members of Congress.
“[We] urge you to fulfill the promise in your State of the Union address to make this a ‘year of Read More
NMiF Focuses on Experience of ‘Crypto-Jews’
PBS News:
This week, at 7 p.m. Friday, New Mexico in Focus (NMiF) presents a companion piece to the national series “The Story of the Jews with Simon Schama,” which premieres 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 on PBS Ch.5.1. The program will repeat at 5 p.m. Saturday on channel 9.1.
NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick focuses on the experience of “conversos” or “crypto-Jews” in New Mexico.
In 1492, the Edict of Expulsion launched the diaspora of Sephardic Jews from Spain. Many found their way to the New World, including New Mexico, although they could not openly practice their religion.
Dr. Frances Levine, Read More
Rep. Garcia Richard Addresses Los Alamos Military Order of the World Wars
New Mexico Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard made her annual briefing Tuesday night to the Los Alamos Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars about the recent legislative session and current issues facing the state. Courtesy photo 
MOWW Los Alamos Chapter Commander Gregg Giesler presents Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard with a Certificate of Appreciation for her presentation and service. Tuesday evening was Garcia Richard’s third time presenting to the MOWW. Courtesy photoDeep Energy Retrofits Make 50 Percent Energy Savings Possible
By RACHEL CLUETTThe need for innovative ways to reduce residential energy use is growing. States are setting increasingly aggressive energy savings targets for utilities and program administrators, as well as longer-term energy reduction goals that call for even greater savings.
In California, for example, their goal calls for a 40 percent reduction in existing homes’ energy use by 2020. While this is an ambitious goal, considering that savings from the highest-performing residential retrofit programs top out at about 30 percent, it is increasingly feasible. Read More
One-Stop Business Portal Bill Signed Into Law
Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Gov. Susana Martinez signed Senate Bill 9 March 6 to create a one-stop online portal for New Mexico businesses.
The bill is sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen, D-Dona Ana and co-sponsored by Rep. Luciano Varela, D-Santa Fe.
This legislation provides for the development of a free, user-friendly, searchable and public website that will allow businesses to simplify their online transactions with state agencies.
According to the bill, the one-stop business portal, which is predicted to be in full operation by July 2017, will provide Read More
Valles Caldera 2014 Elk Hunt Lottery Deadline Looms
VCNP News:
Only a few hours remain for hunters to purchase a lottery draw chance for the revamped 2014 Valles Caldera Trust Elk Hunt. Entries must be postmarked or received by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.
In November 2013, the Trust announced the reduction of ticket prices and one chance, per hunt code, per hunter sales policy. (See Trust Modifies Hunt Lotteries https:////www.vallescaldera.gov/newsmedia/news/news_13-11-15HuntLotteryMods.pdf)
Applying to hunt on the Preserve is as simple as entering our lottery. Lottery chances are available at $25 each for a mature bull or either sex hunt. Lottery Read More
Heinrich: I Support Sen. Feinstein’s Effort to Set the Record Straight on CIA Misconduct
Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. responded to a floor statement made last week by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence, on Congress’s oversight of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA):
“I thank and recognize Chairman Feinstein for her efforts to set the factual record straight regarding the deeply disturbing events and indefensible judgment exhibited by the CIA with respect to the Intelligence Committee’s report on the CIA’s detention and interrogation Read More
