Politics

BLM Seeks Input Through Feb. 20 For May 2026 Sale Of Oil And Gas Leases In New Mexico And Texas

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BLM News:

SANTA FE — The Bureau of Land Management has opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 74 oil and gas parcels totaling 33,530 acres in New Mexico and Texas in a May 2026 sale.

The comment period ends Feb. 20, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in December 2025 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations Read More

Davis: Thank You Los Alamos High School Students!

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By ADAM DAVIS
Formerly of Los Alamos 

Dear LAHS students,

I was just informed today of the demonstrations that took place on Friday at Ashley Pond (link). I want to tell you how very proud I am of you for speaking up about issues such as what you spoke out on: issues that matter, issues that affect so many of us.

Thank you so much for honoring the legacy of Tinker v. Des Moines. It thrills me to see and hear young people paying attention to, discussing, and speaking out on such important issues. Don’t worry about “walking out” of school. Two days ago, you took your education beyond the classroom where Read More

Only Bail Proposal Of Session Shot Down In ‘Kill Committee’

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A view of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo

By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican

A proposal to overhaul pretrial release in New Mexico—the only such measure introduced so far in the 30-day session, despite it being a much-discussed topic—is being held captive in committee.

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, known as the “kill committee” due to its reputation for voting down Republican bills, tabled a proposed constitutional amendment Thursday to ask voters whether judges should be given more leeway in deciding if a criminal defendant needs to be held behind bars. Read More

County Board Of Public Utilities To Hold Work Session Feb. 4

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities will hold its first work session of 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.

The complete agenda packet is available here.

Members of the public may view proceedings online or attend and provide public comment in person or via Zoom. The public may also watch BPU meetings at ladpu.com/BPULiveProceedings. Read More

County Council To Meet In Regular Session Tuesday Feb. 3

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council will meet in Regular Session at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

This meeting is in person and open to the public. However, for convenience, the following Zoom meeting link and/or telephone call-in numbers may be used for public viewing and participation: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85448619994

Or Telephone:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

+1 346 248 7799 or + 1 346 248 7799 or + +1 669 444 9171 US or + 1 719 359 4580 or +1 720 707 2699

Webinar ID: 854 4861 9994 Read More

Legislative Roundup: 19 Days Left In Session

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The Santa Fe New Mexican:

Senate panel approves help for well owners: A bill that could help New Mexicans struggling with contaminated wells — including Mora County residents whose wells have been polluted by heavy metals that may be connected to the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and residents south of Santa Fe dealing with PFAS — received unanimous approval from the Senate Conservation Committee Saturday morning.

“This is really important for our communities,” said Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.

Sponsored by Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, Senate Read More

New Mexico House Passes Immigrant Safety Act

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NMDP News:

SANTA FE — Jan. 30, the House passed the Immigrant Safety Act by a vote of 40-29. House Bill 9 would prevent New Mexico state and local governments from contracting with federal Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain individuals for civil immigration violations.

The bill would also prohibit state and local governments from entering into agreements to deputize local officers or employees to perform immigration functions. It would not interfere with law enforcement’s authority to detain individuals for criminal charges or investigatory purposes.

“More than a thousand Read More

Bill To Ban ICE Detention Contracts In New Mexico Passes House, Heads To Senate

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By NATHAN BROWN
The Santa Fe New Mexican

A lengthy debate over a proposal to get rid of New Mexico’s immigration detention centers pitted rural conservatives who fear lost jobs and empty main streets against Democrats who view it as a moral imperative to stop aiding the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

“On principle and on the values of the state of New Mexico we no longer want to have this practice done in our state,” co-sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, said Friday afternoon on the House floor.

Romero condemned what she called “gross violations of human rights” Read More

Sen. David Gallegos Introduces Critical ‘Safe Haven Baby Box’ Legislation, Requests Message From Governor

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Sen. David Gallegos with the Martinez Family and baby Michael, who was placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box in Belen in 2024 and adopted by the Martinez family in 2025. Courtesy photo

New Mexico Senate Republicans News:

SANTA FE — Senate Republican Caucus Chair David Gallegos (R-Eunice) introduced necessary legislation (SB 206) on Jan. 30 to ensure the protection of women who may elect to anonymously place their newborn child in a ‘Safe Haven Baby Box’.

If passed, this legislation would alleviate potential legal exposure that local communities throughout New Mexico have cited as the primary reason Read More

New Mexico House Panel Passes Medical Malpractice Bill–Without Protections For Corporate Hospitals​​

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Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez, R-Hobbs, right, gets emotional while discussing her mother’s battle with cancer during a House Health and Human Services Committee hearing Friday on amendments to House Bill 99 at the state Capitol. HB 99 calls for caps on punitive damages in medical malpractice cases in New Mexico. Photo by Matt Dahlseid/The New Mexican

By CLARA BATES
The Santa Fe New Mexican

The day before Valarie Gee’s son underwent a routine cardiac procedure, he was “jumping in the swimming pool” and running around, she said.

The next day, she added, the procedure left him paralyzed.

“When medical Read More