Northern New Mexico Leaders Highlight Dangers of Sequestration for New Mexico’s Economy
RCLC News:
The Regional Coalition of LANL Communities announced today the endorsement and unanimous support of Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard’s House Memorial 71 that recognizes the critical importance of New Mexico’s National Laboratories and DOE facilities to the state’s economic welfare and the dramatic negative effects that sequestration will have on New Mexico’s economy.
Los Alamos National Laboratory alone has close to a $3 billion impact on the state’s economy each year and supports more than 24,000 jobs in Northern New Mexico. Read More
Column: Finishing the Job of PRC Reform
Finishing the Job of PRC ReformThe Public Regulation Commission (PRC) touches the lives of every New Mexican who pays a gas, electric, or landline telephone bill, or buys home, auto, or health insurance, among many other things.
Unfortunately, the PRC has had a troubled history ever since it was created about 16 years ago.
In late 2011, Think New Mexico published a policy report entitled “Rethinking the PRC,” which proposed a strategy for reforming the agency.
Our report concluded that the PRC’s poor performance was due, in part, to a fundamental structural problem: it Read More
State House Highlights: Feb. 23-27
STATE News:
On the Floor
- House Judiciary Committee Substitute for House Bills 349, 479 and 31 (Comprehensive DWI Prevention Package), a bipartisan effort on behalf of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Bernalillo-24), Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard (D-Los Alamos, Sandoval, Rio Arriba & Santa Fe-43) and Rep. Tim Lewis (R-Sandoval-60), has passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 63-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for HBs 349,479 and 31 aims to help end New Mexico’s reputation as the worst drunk-driving state in the nation. HB 31 sponsored
Comprehensive DWI Prevention Bill Passes House
STATE News:
- HB 349, 479 and 31 merge into One
SANTA FE – The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a comprehensive DWI Package that will help New Mexico clean up its reputation for being the worst drunk-driving state in the nation.
The vote was 63-0. In a bipartisan move, Democratic Representatives Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-Bernalillo-24) and Stephanie Garcia Richard (D-Los Alamos, Sandoval, Rio Arriba, & Santa Fe-43) worked with Republican Rep. Tim Lewis (R-Sandoval-60) and the House Judiciary Committee to consolidate their three separate bills into one comprehensive Read More
Luján Hosts Briefing Highlighting Latino Support to Combat Climate Change and Carbon Pollution Solution
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico hosted a Capitol Hill briefing Wednesday designed to offer solutions to climate change that featured a proposal by the Natural Resources Defense Council, and discussed a new poll showing that Latinos strongly support taking action against climate change.
Luján convened the briefing for Members of Congress, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, policy staffers, and Latino organizations concerned about climate change.
From extreme storms to drought, wildfires and floods, climate change is increasingly Read More
Udall Gives Sepich Family Signed ‘Katie’s Law’ Legislation
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall in his Washington, D.C. office Tuesday with the family of murdered NMSU student Katie Sepich. Courtesy/Tom Udall’s Office New Mexico’s 13 National Parks = Visitors, Money, Jobs
New Mexico national parks. Courtesy/NPS
NPS News:
DENVER – A new National Park Service report shows that nearly 1.5 million national park visitors in New Mexico in 2011 spent $102 million and supported 1,538jobs in the state.
Nationwide, visitors to the 398 units of the National Park System had a combined $30 billion economic benefit that supported 252,000 jobs.
“The national parks of New Mexico are exceptional and varied places – from the ancient mystery of Chaco Canyon to the wondrous geology of Carlsbad Caverns.
The attraction of these 13 natural and cultural crown jewels as havens Read More
Udall: NM to Receive $7.2 Million Reimbursement for Fire Fighting Efforts
U.S. Sen. Tom UdallFuel Tanker Accident Cleanup Continues on U.S. 84/285 at N.M. 599
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE – Western Refining and its environmental cleanup contractor, D&H Pump, are continuing to work to clean up an estimated 1,600 gallons of gasoline that were spilled from a Western Refining fuel tanker that jackknifed and ruptured on U.S. 84/285 at the N.M. 599 exit Sunday evening.
The right northbound lane and the right southbound lane of U.S. 84/285 were closed as of 11 a.m. today, Feb. 26.
Traffic was delayed Sunday evening as first responders worked to contain the spill. Motorists are advised that the cleanup work could take several days.
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Read More
I-40 Reopened in New Mexico, Closed in Texas
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico State Police have reopened Interstate 40 in New Mexico to the Texas border.
However, I-40 is closed on the Texas side from Amarillo to Sayre. When motorists reach the border, Texas authorities will escort them in caravans to Amarillo.
Once in Amarillo, motorists will have to continue north or south until I-40 eastbound is reopened.
To monitor the situation on the Texas Department of Transportation’s website, visit https:////www.txdot.gov
