Posted inEnvironment, Climate & Conservation, New Mexico Statewide News

Oil Conservation Commission approves ban on PFAS in fracking, other operations

By Hannah Grover  The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission adopted a rule Thursday on a 3-0 vote prohibiting the use of PFAS in completions and recompletions of oil and gas wells, including in fracking operations. WildEarth Guardians petitioned the OCC for the rulemaking in 2023.  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been linked to a variety […]

State regulators approve electric rate increases for PNM customers

By Hannah Grover People who receive electricity from the Public Service Company of New Mexico will see an increase in rates in July followed by another increase in April 2026. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved an agreement between the utility and various intervening parties about the rates PNM customers will pay in the […]

Posted inEnvironment, Climate & Conservation, New Mexico Statewide News

Water Quality Control Commission approves water reuse rule

By Hannah Grover The Water Quality Control Commission approved a rule Wednesday outlining requirements for wastewater reuse, including how produced water — a byproduct of oil and gas production — can be handled for reuse. The commission passed the rule on a 7-0 vote following two days of discussions.  During the first day, the body […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, New Mexico Statewide News, State Government #nmgov

Mesa del Sol area to welcome new global business accelerator

By Hannah Grover Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a new global business accelerator and commercialization center based in Albuquerque on Tuesday while at an investment summit in Maryland. The new facility, known as The NMexus Center, will help companies from foreign countries, including India and Oman, by providing them with tools and networks to help […]

Posted inBernalillo County, Environment, Climate & Conservation

Water Utility Authority urges conservation amid drought

By Hannah Grover Even though the Albuquerque area received rain last week, the drought conditions continue in New Mexico and water managers are urging residents to conserve. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, which provides drinking water to most of Bernalillo County residents with the exception of the East Mountains area, is facing limited […]

Posted inEnvironment, Climate & Conservation, New Mexico Statewide News

State forester anticipates the southwest corner will be the ‘nexus’ for this fire season

By Hannah Grover New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is anticipating the southwest portion of the state may have the highest risk of wildfires this year, according to State Forester Laura McCarthy. McCarthy presented to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission this week as the state regulators look at ways they can best […]

Posted inAlbuquerque, Environment, Climate & Conservation

Albuquerque area water safe to drink

By Hannah Grover The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority released its annual consumer confidence report last week. The report details the water quality in 2024, including levels of heavy metals, bacteria and turbidity. Utility customers will receive the report in the mail. The report shows that the water it provides customers is safe to […]

Posted inEnvironment, Climate & Conservation, New Mexico Statewide News, Uncategorized

New Mexico’s investor-owned utilities talk wildfire preparedness, prevention

By Hannah Grover New Mexico’s three investor-owned utilities outlined steps they are taking to prevent wildfires during a New Mexico Public Regulation Commission workshop Thursday afternoon. Two of the utilities — the Public Service Company of New Mexico and Southwestern Public Service Company — have submitted voluntary fire mitigation plans to the state regulators and […]