Environment

Cummings Fire: Torrance County Wildfire Notification

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NMFD News:

The New Mexico Forestry Division (NMFD) would like to update you on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.

Cummings Fire 

Update: The Cummings Fire was discovered at 4:27 p.m., Monday, March 9 east of Moriarty in Torrance County. Multiple structures are threatened and smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and the surrounding area. The fire is burning in grass and brush and is active on multiple sides. Response crews are providing point protection for surrounding structures while working to contain the fire’s progress. The public should Read More

EM-LA & N3B To Discuss Hexavalent Chromium Campaign March 18

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From Los Alamos National Laboratory:

  • Environmental Management Cleanup Forum to Pilot New Interactive Format March 18

Do you want to learn more about the legacy cleanup mission at Los Alamos National Laboratory? Join us for a public forum piloting a new format for active participation and interaction.

Starting at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, EM-LA and N3B will provide a presentation on the hexavalent chromium plume, followed by public Q&A. This portion will be available in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

For the remaining part of the meeting, in-person attendees will have an Read More

New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Deploys Energy Coaches, Website Easing Path To Clean-Energy Savings

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EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is deploying “energy coaches” to guide New Mexicans through the process of applying for the state’s array of energy-efficiency tax credit and rebate programs.

EMNRD’s Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECAM) currently administers more than 30 tax credits and rebates offering savings on items ranging from solar energy systems to electric vehicles and energy-efficient home appliances. There also are programs that can help businesses, non-profit organizations and local and Tribal governments reduce Read More

SFCC Accepting Applications For Free Environmental Technician Training

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Participants in an EPA job training exercise. Courtesy photo

SFCC News:

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is accepting applications for its free Environmental Technician training program, which provides the training, skills and certifications necessary to enter a wide range of job opportunities in the environmental profession. Applications will be accepted through April 14, 2026. The free training runs April 20 through May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road. This intensive 5-week training program provides Read More

NMED 2025 Emissions Inventory Training Session March 12

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NMED News:

NM Environment Department — Air Quality Bureau – Emissions Inventory Section is conducting several live training sessions for the 2025 Emission Inventory. The fourth live training session is scheduled for 1:30-2:30 p.m., March 12, 2026. All live training sessions will be conducted on MS Teams.

Click here to join the March 12 live training session.

For more information about the 2025 Emissions Inventory, please refer to the NMED Emissions Inventory. Read More

Amateur Naturalist: The Remarkable Mountain Mahogany

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By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos

We are used to seeing the variety of plants in a general way. A ponderosa pine tree and grass in a lawn are both recognized as being plants.

Their differing size and the shape of their leaves are not the crucial factors for them to be defined as a plant.

Both photosynthesize with sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients. This is what defines them as a plant.

A closer look at a particular kind of plant can bring out some remarkable variations.

The mountain mahogany is an example. We tend to think of plants as having flowers where seeds develop. The mountain mahogany has small flowers Read More