New Mexico’s emergency declaration for the Española area prioritizes immediate, flexible support for overwhelmed local law enforcement rather than deploying additional state personnel, according to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office. The $750,000 in emergency funding authorized under Executive Order 2025-358 Wednesday will directly support Rio Arriba County, Española and Pueblo police departments through overtime pay […]
NM State Gov.
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Governor declares emergency in Española area amid crime surge
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency Wednesday for Rio Arriba County, the city of Española and surrounding Pueblo communities in response to what officials describe as an overwhelming surge in violent crime and drug trafficking that has strained local law enforcement resources. The emergency declaration, issued through Executive Order 2025-358, […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
25 New Mexico lawmakers oppose petition to allow oil and gas wastewater discharge
Over two dozen New Mexico legislators are urging state water regulators to dismiss a petition that would allow the discharge of treated oil and gas wastewater, arguing the matter has already been decided through a comprehensive review process. A letter was sent Monday, signed by 25 legislators, to the Water Quality Control Commission opposing a […]
Posted inNM State Gov., Opinion
Op-Ed: Why Responsible Economic Development Deserves State Investment
Submitted by Raymundo Lara, State Representative – House District 34 In New Mexico, we talk often about how economic development is key to creating good jobs, thriving communities, and long-term opportunities for our families. But how we get there matters just as much as the outcome. Responsible economic development is done with purpose, transparency, and […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Protecting New Mexico’s water supply and farming communities
Submitted by Representative Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) New Mexico’s arid climate means we naturally receive limited annual precipitation, but the effects of climate change have exacerbated these challenges. Rising temperatures have led to prolonged droughts, decreased snowpack, early melting, and reduced river flows, while higher evaporation rates have diminished our water storage in reservoirs. To […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Governor plans special session to shield New Mexicans from federal budget cuts
More than 760,000 New Mexicans who rely on Medicaid and food assistance could face benefit cuts or stricter requirements under federal legislation, prompting Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to consider calling lawmakers back to Santa Fe as early as late August. The governor is “likely to call a special session, possibly in late summer or early […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
N.M. State Land Office sets new records with first oil and gas lease auction at 25% royalty rate
The New Mexico State Land Office has announced a historic achievement, auctioning oil and gas leases at a new 25% royalty rate for the first time, a change championed by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. The new state law, which took effect on June 20, allows the State Land Office to offer its […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
Sen. Pope enters 2026 race for lieutenant governor
By Connor Currier New Mexico Senator Harold Pope has officially entered the race to become the state’s next lieutenant governor. His candidacy comes after current lieutenant governor Howie Morales’ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Morales, who has served in the role since 2019, spent the past seven years working alongside Governor […]
Posted inNM State Gov.
Peeing gets partisan: Republicans challenge new Roundhouse restroom policy
The legislature’s Facilities Review Subcommittee voted last week to convert a shower into a gender-neutral restroom and build a dedicated lactation room on the fourth floor of the New Mexico State Capitol. The project will also include an adult changing table for people with disabilities. But Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said in a […]
Posted inNew Mexico, NM State Gov.
More than 8,400 New Mexicans registered to vote in first week of automatic system
More than 8,400 New Mexicans have registered to vote or updated their voter information in the first week since the state launched automatic voter registration at Motor Vehicle Division offices, according to state officials. The milestone demonstrates early success for the new system that automatically registers eligible voters when they renew or apply for driver’s […]