AGP Executive Report

Oil and Gas: In Santa Fe, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency plans to scrap its methane “super-emitter” program and revisit rules for gas from oil wells, drawing protests from environmental groups. Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County declared a disaster after widespread flooding and is seeking state aid; FEMA has also opened assistance for Zuni Pueblo residents hit by July’s storms. Water Stress: New Mexico’s 2026 water year was the warmest on record, while low levels at Elephant Butte, dried-up Radium Springs and Sunland Park’s water squeeze underscore pressure on supplies. Data Centers: Project Jupiter remains a flashpoint in southern New Mexico, with most surveyed residents opposing new data centers and gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland proposing a statewide pause until accountability rules are in place. Energy and Mining: New Mexico banned uranium mining on state lands, as activists appeal a permit extending the Navajo coal mine and a coal plant slated to close in 2031 could stay open longer to meet Arizona demand. The state also says solar grants are lowering energy costs at rural public buildings.

Methane Rules: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced in Santa Fe that the agency plans to scrap a Biden-era program requiring oil and gas companies to address major methane leaks. The EPA says the rollback would save $45 billion a year; environmental groups warn it would worsen pollution and climate risks. Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County is seeking state disaster aid after late-September flooding caused at least $15 million in damage to roads, utilities and flood-control infrastructure. Officials say that figure may rise as assessments continue. Water Rights: The Trump administration has waived New Mexico water laws for border-wall construction, including rules covering wells and excavation—deepening concerns about groundwater and federal authority. More Rain Ahead: A coming storm could bring heavy rain and renewed flood risks across New Mexico, along with snow in the northern mountains.

Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County declared a disaster after back-to-back storms flooded homes, businesses and farmland. Early damage estimates top $17 million and may rise; Las Cruces reported at least $2.2 million in damage to parks and recreation areas. Uranium Fight: Attorney General Raúl Torrez is seeking to intervene in the federal relicensing of the Crownpoint project, citing groundwater protections, cleanup costs and state and tribal requirements. The state has also banned uranium development on state lands, while industry groups and Cibola County officials back extraction. Water Concerns: Most residents who spoke at a hearing opposed the proposed Copper Flat mine near Hillsboro, citing water use. The company says its revised plan would use less than 1,050 acre-feet of fresh water a year. Fire & Drought: Cannon Air Force Base plans prescribed burns across about 13,000 acres near Melrose Oct. 9–14 to reduce hazardous vegetation. Late-season rain eased Cibola County’s drought, but about 61% of residents remain affected. Energy Projects: New Mexico’s attorney general is challenging the federal review of the proposed Project Jupiter gas pipeline. State officials also say solar grants are lowering energy costs for rural public buildings.

Flood Recovery in Doña Ana County: Commissioners approved a disaster declaration after Sept. 29 flooding, with preliminary damage estimates already topping $17 million and residents urged to file claims via DonaAna.gov or by calling 211. Project Jupiter Pushback: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez says the federal review of a gas pipeline for the Project Jupiter data center is “inadequate,” arguing regulators ignored the data center’s own environmental impacts. Data Center Controversy Spreads: A conservative “local control” group is touring the country against new data centers, while Washington activists demand a moratorium over water and transparency concerns. Renewables for Rural Power Costs: New Mexico’s Local Solar Access Fund reports average energy-cost reductions of 53% for rural public buildings using community solar and battery storage. Wildlife & Weather Notes: Male tarantulas are moving across New Mexico as monsoon-linked breeding season ramps up, and Balloon Fiesta weather stays mostly quiet with breezes and a wetter, cooler pattern possible early next week. Conservation Win: Los Angeles Zoo reports the first successful litters under Project Obscurus for the New Mexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake, with young eyed for future release.

Flood Response: Doña Ana County commissioners approved a disaster declaration after Sept. 29 flooding, unlocking state help and allowing residents to apply for financial assistance. Water & Food Security: U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández toured NAPI’s potato processing operation as the group seeks federal expansion funding tied to irrigation and production growth. Energy & Land Use: Activists are appealing a Trump-issued permit to expand a Navajo coal mine, arguing the environmental review was rushed and could threaten groundwater and communities. Public Safety & Preparedness: The U.S. Army began fielding Iron Fist-equipped M2A4E1 Bradleys for drone and missile threats, while the Pentagon picked directed-energy systems for a homeland counter-drone pilot. Campus & Community: UNM President Steve Goldstein addressed campus safety concerns, and UNM students held a Depop pop-up promoting secondhand, more sustainable fashion. Weather: Albuquerque stays mostly quiet, with only isolated showers possible in higher terrain.

Project Jupiter & Data Centers: A KOB 4 poll of 800 New Mexicans found 55% support banning new data centers and 23% support building them, with Oracle’s Project Jupiter continuing to move forward in Doña Ana County. Local Accountability: Environmental groups are appealing a federal decision to extend the life of the Navajo Nation-owned Navajo coal mine to 2136, arguing it could raise costs and worsen air and groundwater pollution. Flood Aftermath & Septic Risks: After recent flooding, New Mexico Environment Department officials warn that standing water over septic drain fields can create serious health hazards. Weather Watch: Patchy fog may form Tuesday in the Estancia Basin, with better chances for showers and thunderstorms returning Wednesday across northern and central high terrain. Clean Transport Fight: New Mexico joined a coalition suing over Trump administration fuel economy rollbacks, arguing weaker standards will raise gas demand and costs. Military Drone Defense: The Pentagon selected four vendors for a directed-energy counter-drone pilot, including high-energy lasers and microwave systems. Energy & Water Stress: Coverage highlights how low water levels are reshaping the Colorado River system, with major impacts for hydropower and regional water supplies.

Colorado River crisis: Lake Powell is at historic lows, threatening hydropower operations and underscoring how megadrought tied to greenhouse warming is reshaping Southwest water planning. Water & pollution: A Desert Research Institute study finds microplastics can surge in Western rivers when spring runoff re-mobilizes particles that build up during low-flow months. Flood impacts in NM: Rio Puerco overflow has isolated 12 homes in San Francisco, while Doña Ana County flood damage is driving calls for help from candidates and local officials. Wildfire and drinking water: New research links wildfire growth in Western watersheds—especially those serving big populations—to higher burned-area rates that can strain water quality and infrastructure. NM policy & climate: New Mexico is joining a coalition suing the Trump administration over fuel economy standards rollback, arguing it will raise gas use and costs. Energy permitting fight: A proposed permitting “reform” deal could shorten legal timelines for major projects and weaken key environmental protections. Geothermal push: The Jicarilla Apache Nation starts a $2.5M geothermal feasibility study funded by the state.

Flood Relief & Infrastructure: After Rio Puerco overflowed, flooding isolated 12 homes in San Francisco, New Mexico, with sinkholes and limited access—while U.S. 60 west of Socorro partially reopened for cars after bridge damage. Local Flood Response: In Hatch Valley, an emergency meeting followed last week’s flood, with residents pressing for faster help and concerns about federal Bureau of Land Management involvement. Geothermal for Tribal Lands: The Jicarilla Apache Nation is launching a nine-month geothermal feasibility study with a $2.5 million state grant, exploring electricity and direct heating options while gathering community input. Mining & Water Concerns: Hillsboro residents packed a hearing over the Copper Flat Mine’s return, questioning water use, pollution risks, and the long permitting timeline. Data Centers & Power Politics: New Mexico’s data center boom is fueling jobs and investment, but local moratoriums and statewide calls for limits are growing as communities weigh environmental and water impacts. Wildfire Recovery: A New Mexico reforestation push highlights drought-hardened seedlings and watershed restoration after major burn scars.

Flooding & Water Safety: A flood warning stayed in effect for the Rio Puerco near Bernardo as the river neared 20 feet, threatening homes in San Francisco village; meanwhile Route 60 west of Socorro reopened after flood-damaged bridge repairs, though oversized truck limits and a Socorro flood warning remained. Wildfire Recovery & Forest Resilience: A New Mexico column argues burned areas can be intentionally reforested with drought-hardened seedlings, pointing to a Nov. 3 General Obligation Bond 3 measure that includes funding for a major reforestation center in Mora County. Local Health & Pollution Concerns: An Albuquerque-area column urges scrutiny of dollar store products, citing chemicals restricted in some states and calling out how pollution burdens fall hardest on lower-income communities. Energy & Permitting: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would speed permitting by blocking an entire class of energy projects from being stalled, with New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich among sponsors. Wild Weather Context: Coverage also notes record summer heat and an active El Niño pattern shaping conditions across the U.S., with potential impacts on demand and infrastructure planning.

Flooding & Dam Safety: A flood warning remains in effect for the Rio Puerco near Bernardo as the river nears/holds flood stage, with minor flooding expected to continue into Saturday; in Socorro County, officials also warned residents to stay away from river banks as runoff swells the Rio Puerco. Road Impacts: Route 60 west of Socorro reopened after flood damage to a bridge, though oversized/overweight trucks still face restrictions. Local Water Quality & Trust: In Sunland Park, residents say arsenic concerns persist even after the area met EPA standards in January 2025, as water rates rose sharply and community members question the provider’s handling amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air Quality & Health Concerns: Sunland Park residents are pushing back on a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, citing worries about dust and respiratory impacts. Climate Extremes: NOAA reports the U.S. had its hottest summer on record in 2026, with New Mexico among the warmest. Energy Permitting: A bipartisan Senate bill led by Sen. Martin Heinrich would bar administrations from blocking permits for an entire class of energy projects, with legal action and fines for stalling. Balloon Fiesta Safety: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta opened with warm, dry flying conditions, but seven balloon incidents were reported early, including crashes involving power lines and a light pole.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: A flood warning is in effect for Socorro County as rain swells the Rio Puerco near Bernardo, with officials urging people to stay away from river banks and never drive through flooded roads. Water Quality & Trust: In Sunland Park, residents say arsenic concerns still linger even after the water met EPA standards in January 2025, as bills rose sharply and community trust is strained amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air & Health Concerns: Sunland Park residents are pushing back on a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, warning about dust and health impacts for people with asthma and other lung conditions. Energy Policy: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would bar administrations from blocking permits for an entire class of energy projects like solar or wind, setting up faster legal challenges and potential fines. Local Weather & Events: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta kicked off with warm, dry skies, but day 1 saw seven minor balloon incidents, including crashes into power lines and a light pole, with no serious injuries reported.

Water & Health: Sunland Park residents say they still don’t trust tap water despite it meeting EPA arsenic standards, pointing to steep rate hikes and lingering concerns as the state weighs next steps amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air Quality & Community Impact: Neighbors in Sunland Park are raising health worries about a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, citing potential dust and respiratory risks. Flooding Watch: A flood warning was issued for Socorro County as rain swelled the Rio Puerco near Bernardo, with officials urging people to stay away from river banks and flooded roads. Climate Extremes: New NOAA findings show the U.S. just logged its hottest summer on record, with New Mexico among states seeing record-warm conditions—another reminder that heat and heavy rain are stacking up. Energy Policy: New Mexico is part of a coalition suing over federal fuel economy rollbacks, arguing drivers shouldn’t pay more at the pump as standards are weakened. Permitting & Data Centers: A retired federal judge was appointed to preside over Project Jupiter’s air quality permit hearing, a key step for the Santa Teresa data center’s proposed methane fuel-cell power.

Flood Response in New Mexico: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed five executive orders declaring a statewide emergency after flooding, unlocking up to $3.75 million for temporary lodging, shelter, healthcare, food, and transportation, with National Guard support available. El Niño & Flood Insurance: Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program to prevent coverage lapses as a record-strong El Niño raises flood risk across the Southwest and southern U.S., including New Mexico. Water & Courts: A federal appeals court limited constitutional claims tied to contaminated drinking water, underscoring how hard it is to win federal constitutional arguments over unsafe water. Climate Rule Rollbacks Fight: States and cities, including New Mexico’s AG in related suits, challenged Trump administration moves rolling back fuel economy and power-plant emissions limits—arguing they’ll worsen pollution and raise costs. Energy Permitting Debate: A bipartisan Senate permitting bill aims to speed up energy and infrastructure reviews, with New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich among key backers. Local Infrastructure: Colorado’s CO 172 culvert improvement project near the NM line will bring lane restrictions and a scheduled full closure in October.

Flooding & Dam Safety: Heavy rain tied to Hurricane Polo’s remnants has triggered flooding and tornado reports across multiple states, with New Mexico communities facing flash-flood risk and dam-failure fears; McLeod Dam in Doña Ana County was rated “poor” with “high hazard potential” in a 2023 inspection after Tuesday overtopping and erosion. Emergency Response & Recovery Funding: New Mexico’s acting governor issued flood emergency orders and made up to $3.75M available for response; FEMA also sent more than $141M for disaster recovery and mitigation across five states, including nearly $8M for Vado Channel repairs in Dona Ana County. Local Impacts: In Rincon, pecan farms reported major damage and a harvest delay after flooding and a levee breach; Albuquerque also warned trash collection could be delayed after storm flooding bottlenecked landfill operations. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say a more active fall pattern is developing midweek, with Polo moisture spreading and a cold front adding instability, followed by a quieter stretch for Balloon Fiesta. PFAS Accountability: New Mexico AG Rayfield joined a bipartisan lawsuit aiming to block DuPont from shifting assets to avoid PFAS cleanup costs.

Flooding & Dam Risk in Southern NM: New Mexico released up to $3.75M in emergency flood response funds as heavy monsoon rains triggered evacuations and road closures, including Rincon after a levee breach and Hatch amid McLeod Dam failure fears. Local Water Safety: NMED held a community meeting for Sunland Park and Santa Teresa residents after arsenic concerns; officials say CRRUA passed September operational control arsenic tests. Wildfire & Water Supply: New research in Nature finds wildfire activity has shifted upward since the late 20th century, with bigger burn increases in watersheds that supply large populations—raising stakes for Western water reliability. Climate Policy Fight: A coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over repealing power-plant climate rules, arguing the EPA acted unlawfully. Data Centers & Ratepayer Costs: Senators debated bills that would require data centers to pay more of their electricity and infrastructure costs, with New Mexico’s Heinrich backing a stronger approach. PFAS Litigation: PFAS firefighter turnout gear lawsuits expanded as more cities and fire departments sued major manufacturers including 3M and DuPont. Energy/Innovation: New Mexico’s Roadrunner Venture Studios opened a quantum lab backed by a $25M state grant, with Intel’s Pat Gelsinger urging deep-tech investment.

Flood Emergency & Dam Fears: Torrential monsoon rain plus moisture from Hurricane Polo’s remnants triggered flash flooding across New Mexico, with evacuations and “seek higher ground” warnings tied to possible dam failure, including Doña Ana County and Hatch Valley. State Emergency Response: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed executive orders unlocking up to $3.75M for flood response and recovery through the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Local Impacts: Albuquerque’s Cerro Colorado Landfill bottleneck delayed trash pickup as muddy access roads forced long truck lines; northern areas faced landslide risk as rain bands rotated through the Enchanted Circle. Community Stories: Navajo Nation mourned three people lost in Sept. 16 floods near Newcomb, while families in Rincon and Hatch reported damage from roof collapse, rising water, and storm debris. Wildfire Prep: Colfax County rescinded its burn ban after recent rainfall, but burn permits are still required for larger fires. Conservation Tech: UNM researchers are using drone images and machine learning to count ducks, geese, and cranes with early results around 95% accuracy. Policy & Public Lands: The Trump administration blocked dozens of third-party agreements in national parks, pausing some environmental and cultural stewardship work.