By Rodd Cayton and Pat Davis — Some local water systems across the East Mountains have been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s […]
Environment, Conservation & Climate
Stories related to our ongoing coverage of environmental issues in New Mexico.
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Placitas
Water system serving over 185 at Placitas Elementary tests positive for PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ state testing finds
A local water system serving Placitas Elementary School has been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s to make products waterproof and stain-resistant and […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Environment, Conservation & Climate
MRGCD offers tips for irrigators as water deliveries approach
As the 2026 irrigation season approaches, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is sharing key information for irrigators. The district says five important factors will shape how the season begins and what irrigators can expect as the season progresses: Poor snowpack means light runoff Snowpack in the Rio Grande Basin remains below average; the […]
Posted inCorrales, Corrales Comment, Environment, Conservation & Climate
Corrales faces uncertain irrigation season amid major river projects
Village of Corrales Mayor Fred Hashimoto is alerting residents that this growing season could prove particularly challenging for farmers and others who rely on irrigation water from the Rio Grande, with both climate conditions and two major infrastructure projects potentially affecting water availability this spring and summer. In his weekly Mayor’s Message, Hashimoto pointed to […]
Posted inNew Mexico Legislature #nmleg
State Senate votes down Clear Horizons Act, opening door for next gov to change state’s climate, enviro policies
Seven Democrats joined with Republicans in the State Senate Wednesday to defeat keystone climate legislation to codify some of the country’s most ambitious climate legislation into law before Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham leaves office at the end of this year. SB18, The Clear Horizons Bill, was written to make permanent several climate goals implemented by […]
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Conservation & Climate, Housing & Homelessness
Anti-Exxon protestors removed from Balloon Fiesta after daring visitors to drink fake ‘produced water’
Visitors to opening weekend of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta were greeted by an unexpected protest against the event’s main sponsor. Satirical protestors supported by WildEarth Guardians and the The Yes Men dressed as sales representatives of a fake oil and gas company, Exxtreme Energy, and offered samples of the company’s “new hydration and […]
Posted inMountainair
Forest Service announces fall prescribed burns
The U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed burns across central New Mexico this fall in areas near Mountainair through December. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands announced plans for multiple controlled burns designed to reduce hazardous vegetation and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. In the Mountainair Ranger District, crews are already burning piles covering […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Pueblos
New Mexico methane rules cut emissions by half compared to Texas, officials say
New Mexico’s methane regulations have reduced oil and gas facility emissions in the Permian Basin by half compared to neighboring Texas while generating $152 million for the state, according to satellite data released Monday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The findings, announced during U.S. Climate Week, show New Mexico’s methane intensity at 1.2% compared to […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate, Westside Albuquerque
Flood advisory issued for Bernalillo and Torrance counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory effective until 6 p.m. Monday for portions of central New Mexico, specifically Bernalillo and northwestern Torrance counties. The advisory warns of arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall. As of 3:57 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain from thunderstorms, with 0.5 to 1 inch […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Environment, Conservation & Climate
Secretary Noem visits Ruidoso to review disaster response progress
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Village of Ruidoso in Lincoln County Tuesday to review progress in disaster recovery efforts following this summer’s historic flash flooding there. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford and emergency management staff gave Noem a tour of the village, including several homes left uninhabitable and a village playground full of […]