AGP Executive Report

Utility Ownership & Oversight: Over 50 NM groups and 1,400 residents are urging state leaders to invest $400 million in TXNM Energy (PNM’s parent) instead of letting private equity take control, after PRC findings said a prior deal violated state law—raising fresh questions about how the Public Regulation Commission will protect ratepayers. Public Health & Wildlife: New Mexico reported another plague case in wildlife after a wild rat tested positive in Santa Fe County, following multiple dog cases earlier this year; officials say it’s a warning, not evidence of a widespread outbreak. Mining & Water: Sierra County residents can weigh in at a Sept. 17 hearing on the Copper Flat Mine’s revised permit, including a proposed dry-stack tailings design aimed at cutting freshwater demand by about 84%. Climate & Fire Risk: A national wildfire roundup notes 2026 has already burned far more land than last year, driven by hotter extremes, drier conditions, and wind. Weather: Labor Day Monday isn’t a washout, but expect scattered storms and possible burn-scar flooding, with daily shower chances continuing into the week. Health Research: UNM researchers in Taos are studying hantavirus in deer mice to better understand spread and treatments. Pollution Innovation: A Hawaii science fair winner used coconut-based fungi to help filter plastic and sunscreen pollutants from ocean water.

Uranium & public lands: New Mexico’s Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an executive order banning new uranium mining on state trust lands, citing the state’s radioactive legacy and the risk of contamination. Mining permitting: A public hearing is set for Sept. 17 on the Copper Flat Mine plan in Sierra County, where New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division will take comments on a revised dry-stack tailings approach aimed at cutting freshwater demand. Data centers & water: In southern New Mexico, residents in Grant County are organizing after learning about an air-quality permit filing for a proposed natural-gas-powered data center, while statewide legal fights over Project Jupiter continue as the NM attorney general backs emergency petitions tied to air and water impacts. Health & pollution: New studies link New Mexico drilling to radiation, air pollution, and health risks, adding pressure on regulators and communities. Weather: Albuquerque and much of the state stay hot with monsoon storms and a small chance of heavy rain, including possible burn-scar flooding near Ruidoso.

Uranium Ban on State Trust Lands: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an executive order ending new uranium mining leases on state trust lands, citing the state’s long uranium legacy and the risk of radioactive contamination; the order also directs the state to prioritize cleanup of existing damage. Project Jupiter Legal Fight: New Mexico’s attorney general backed emergency petitions tied to Project Jupiter, including challenges to air quality and water-related permits, with the state Supreme Court keeping key parts on hold while the case moves forward. Data Center Push Meets Community Concerns: In Silver City, residents are organizing after a proposed Grant County data center surfaced through a public notice about an air quality permit filing, raising questions about impacts beyond just water and power. Nursing Home Safety Scrutiny: A review of Medicare ratings found New Mexico nursing homes averaging far more health citations than the national norm, with some facilities cited for abuse—renewing pressure for stronger oversight. Monsoon Weather Watch: Labor Day weekend forecasts call for hot, mostly sunny conditions with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms, plus localized heavy rain and burn-scar flooding risk—especially in the afternoon and evening. Water Stress in Estancia: A local report describes Estancia’s water emergency, driven largely by commercial use, including a detention facility, as residents report shortages and compromised water conditions.

Project Jupiter Fight: New Mexico’s attorney general filed motions supporting emergency petitions to halt Project Jupiter permits, arguing the state must follow notice and fair-hearing rules even for powerful developers tied to major AI data-center plans. Uranium Leasing Clampdown: New Mexico’s land commissioner issued an executive order banning new uranium mining leases on state trust lands, directing the state to prioritize cleanup of legacy contamination instead of expanding new development. Labor Day Weather Watch: The National Weather Service and Weather Prediction Center flagged Labor Day weekend heat and storm risks, including monsoonal moisture that could trigger scattered flash flooding in parts of Arizona/New Mexico. Rio Grande Reality Check: A planned release briefly restored flowing water in the Rio Grande near Albuquerque, offering a rare look at the river’s return after historic dryness—though it likely won’t last. Wildlife Protections Under Pressure: Trump’s order aims to start the process to remove gray wolf and Mexican gray wolf protections, drawing conservation backlash over potential impacts on ranching and ecosystems. Public Health Alerts: Presbyterian Hospital reported localized Legionella findings in limited areas, with officials saying the hospital-wide risk is low and remediation is underway.

Uranium Ban on State Lands: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued an executive order banning new uranium leasing on state trust lands, directing the state to prioritize cleanup of legacy contamination tied to more than 1,000 former uranium sites. Wolf Protections Under Review: A Trump order directs Interior to consider removing gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, a move ranchers favor and conservationists say will trigger more harm. Rio Grande Water Pulse: After months of near-dry conditions, a planned release sent about 650 million gallons down the Rio Grande to support the Bosque and stressed cottonwoods, with researchers racing to track whether the temporary flow helps. Data Center Health Concerns: Pima County’s review with Johns Hopkins flags possible added heat, air pollution, and noise from large data centers, noting a lack of clear health guidance. Labor Day Weather: Forecasts call for mostly dry holiday conditions with scattered showers and isolated storms, plus burn-scar flash-flood risk near Ruidoso. Community Conservation Event: PEEC and New Mexico Wild host a Sept. 10 book tour on the state’s rivers, spotlighting access and ecological importance.

Water & Wildfire Resilience: A federal report argues “process-based restoration” that raises soil moisture and water tables can help ecosystems recover and also support wildfire suppression and prescribed burns. Rio Grande Monitoring: Researchers are racing to study what happens after 650 million gallons were released into the Rio Grande to revive stressed Bosque cottonwoods and recharge the system. Project Jupiter Fight: New Mexico AG Raul Torrez backs emergency petitions at the state Supreme Court over Project Jupiter’s water and air-quality approvals, while Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury presses for scrutiny of the project’s long-term water use. Methane on Navajo Nation: A Navajo Methane Coalition video highlights concerns about methane pollution, linking leaks and venting to health and climate risks. Wild Horses: Bipartisan legislation targets a loophole that allows wild horses captured on public land to be sold for commercial slaughter. Sewage Leak Accountability: Aztec’s delayed notification after a raw sewage spill into the Animas River is under review, with questions about when downstream users were warned. Extreme Heat & Schools: A new psychological health report says extreme heat is slowing learning and calls for heat-response plans similar to snow days.

Project Jupiter Legal Fight: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez backed emergency petitions challenging Oracle’s Project Jupiter approvals, arguing state agencies “cut corners” and violated due process in both water well authorization and an air quality permit process—supporting a stay while the case heads toward the state Supreme Court. Public Opinion: A KOB poll found adults in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District oppose Project Jupiter by 21 points, with many saying costs outweigh benefits and the biggest support lever would be enforceable limits on water, energy, and air emissions. Rio Grande Water Update: Albuquerque-area agencies released 650 million gallons to study the Rio Grande’s effects on the bosque and aquifer after months of extreme dryness, with the flow expected to be temporary. Heat and Climate Signals: A roundup of hottest Septembers in New Mexico since 1895 highlights how record warmth is becoming more common. Monsoon Watch: Forecasts call for scattered monsoon storms and localized heavy rain risk around the state into the Labor Day weekend. Radiation Safety: New Mexico officials urged Los Alamos National Laboratory to speed up removal of above-ground radioactive waste, proposing a 2028 transfer deadline to WIPP. Public Health Water Alerts: Several NM lakes remain under harmful algae bloom watches or closures, including Charette Lake and Quemado Lake. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $840,000 for New Mexico recovery and hazard mitigation projects, including flood warning upgrades in Ruidoso and drainage repairs tied to past wildfire impacts.

Project Jupiter in court: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez backed two emergency legal challenges to the Project Jupiter AI data center, arguing state agencies cut corners on required public processes for an air quality permit and a construction water well—after the NM Supreme Court paused both the air-quality hearing and water use from the emergency well. Microplastics push: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a multi-state effort, including New Mexico, urging the EPA to add microplastics to its drinking-water monitoring list under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Rio Grande strain: A new report highlights how the Rio Grande is running dry for long stretches, raising alarms for downstream drinking water—especially for Texas communities that depend on the river’s remaining flow. Construction stormwater rules: The EPA proposed a 2027 construction stormwater permit for public comment, which would affect New Mexico construction sites and could reshape how stormwater plans are submitted and managed. Weather watch: Monsoon moisture is expected to increase across New Mexico, with Thursday rain chances rising and a higher flash-flood risk possible.

Project Jupiter Water Scrutiny: Rep. Melanie Stansbury is pressing New Mexico agencies to investigate Project Jupiter’s water use near Santa Teresa, questioning construction water, long-term demand, and impacts on the drought-strained Lower Rio Grande Basin. Rio Grande Release Fallout: A 650+ million-gallon Rio Grande release from Abiquiu Reservoir is meant for environmental data, but farmers say it won’t help irrigation and highlights how tight water access remains. Nuclear Safety Fight: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez filed opposition to proposed NRC changes to radiation protection rules, warning they could weaken monitoring and public safeguards. Uranium Mill Health Concerns: A new report spotlights White Mesa Mill near the Ute Mountain Ute community and renewed urgency as the U.S. pushes to expand domestic uranium production. Wildlife + Weather: Monsoon storms and flash-flood risk are returning to parts of New Mexico, while the state also reports rising bear sightings in residential areas. Local Water Infrastructure: Sandoval County approved a $50,000 grant for an Algodones water tank to support fire protection. Snowmaking Under Pressure: Ski Santa Fe is proposing a large water tank and snowmaking upgrades after variable winters and early closures.

Water & Drought: Albuquerque’s Rio Grande is at historic dryness, with 112+ miles reported dry as a major 615 million-gallon release is expected to reach the city this week to support vegetation and monitoring. Water Infrastructure: Truth or Consequences has running water again after two failures crippled its system, but a boil order remains while tests check for contamination. Local Water Planning: Sandoval County approved a $50,000 grant to plan and design a fire-protection water tank and hydrant in Algodones. Wildlife & Public Safety: San Juan County is seeing a surge in bear sightings around Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield, with officials urging residents not to feed or approach bears. Animal Welfare: A new report says New Mexico’s animal services face “systemic failures,” calling for a dedicated state animal protection department. Climate Extremes: Weather coverage points to a drier Wednesday with virga and ongoing drought risk, plus heat and limited storm chances. Policy & Environment: The Navajo Nation could keep coal mining until 2136 after a permit approval tied to federal energy priorities.

Endangered Species Act rollback: The Trump administration finalized a rule that effectively strips habitat protections for threatened and endangered species, a move wildlife advocates say could accelerate extinctions, including the Gunnison sage-grouse. Project Jupiter legal fight: New Mexico Supreme Court justices denied Project Jupiter developers’ bid to partially lift an air-quality permit stay, keeping the massive Santa Teresa data-center campus from moving ahead on schedule. Rio Grande drought response: The Middle Rio Grande effort to temporarily rewet the Albuquerque stretch is underway, with 2,000 acre-feet released from Abiquiu Reservoir and expected to arrive Thursday, supported by environmental-flow partners and monitoring by state universities and agencies. Flash flooding impacts: Deadly Grand Canyon flash flooding damaged the park’s main water supply and forced severe water restrictions, underscoring how extreme storms can strain critical infrastructure. Heat and storms outlook: Forecasts point to warming with limited monsoon storms and localized flooding risk in parts of New Mexico. Local waterway cleanup: AMAFCA finished maintenance at a retention basin after wildlife concerns, saying crews relocated 65+ turtles and found no dead or injured wildlife during work. Clean energy giving: SunShare announced $7.2M+ in donations tied to Navajo Technical University and other groups, alongside new New Mexico community solar projects.

Project Jupiter Fight in Court: New Mexico’s Supreme Court denied developers’ bid to partially restart the air-quality permit hearing for the massive Doña Ana County AI data center, keeping the process paused as the state weighs a final decision by Nov. 23. Water Under Pressure: New Mexico sued the U.S. and border wall contractors over alleged unlawful groundwater use and repeated unpermitted drilling near the southern border, arguing the case could test whether big federal projects must still follow state water law. Rio Grande Flow Returns: Albuquerque is set to receive a one-time release of more than 650 million gallons from Abiquiu Reservoir by Thursday, aimed at studying river flows, groundwater links, and impacts on drought-stressed plants and wildlife. Local Water Reuse Plan: Albuquerque’s water utility is moving toward a West Side wastewater reclamation facility that would recycle up to 5 million gallons a day for Rio Grande flows and future park and golf irrigation. Public Comment Opens: The Santa Fe National Forest is seeking comments on a Ski Santa Fe snowmaking modernization plan that includes a new water tank and upgrades to snowmaking infrastructure. Climate Outlook: NOAA’s updated seasonal forecast points to warmer-than-normal fall conditions across much of the U.S., with wetter odds favored in parts of the Southwest.

Water Rights Fight: New Mexico sued U.S. Customs and Border Protection and contractors over alleged illegal groundwater drilling near the southern border, arguing the federal government is “stealing our water” from finite aquifers. Wildfire & Forest Resilience: A new study finds prescribed thinning and burns can cut giant sequoia deaths after major fires, with treated areas showing about twice the survival rate after the 2020 Castle Fire. Monsoon Flood Watch: The Grand Canyon flash flood death toll rose as rescue teams searched for missing people after sudden storms damaged infrastructure and triggered evacuations—another reminder that Southwest monsoons can turn deadly fast. Local Emergency Capacity: Shiprock opened a new First Responders Substation to centralize medical, fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency management services, funded largely through state and Navajo Nation support. Climate-Sensitive Disease: A report links climate change to yellow fever’s return in places that haven’t seen it in years, as warmer conditions expand mosquito-friendly habitat. Data Centers & Water Concerns: Construction on Project Jupiter data centers in southern New Mexico continues despite permit pauses, with scrutiny focused on water use and environmental impacts.

Flooding & Water Safety: Flash flooding hit the Grand Canyon again, killing at least two and leaving more than a dozen missing as officials barred tourists from staying inside the park and issued emergency water restrictions after damage to the canyon’s only water pipeline. Monsoon Watch (NM): Forecasters warn western and central New Mexico could see marginal-to-slight excessive rainfall risk, with flash flooding possible where storms repeat over the same areas. Fentanyl Enforcement Scrutiny (NM): House Oversight Republicans opened an investigation into a DEA strategy that monitored major fentanyl shipments without seizing them, echoing New Mexico concerns raised by whistleblowers and a state AG lawsuit seeking records. Methane & Oil/Gas Leaks: New Mexico filed a methane rule aimed at catching big oil and gas leaks faster and cutting wasted fuel. Local Infrastructure: NMDOT kicked off a nearly $1.3M pavement preservation project on NM 96 near Gallina, with lane closures and work through Sept. 10. Community Response: Albuquerque’s Nepali community canceled a major festival and held a candlelight vigil after flooding in Nepal killed and displaced families.

Wildlife & Water Management: Albuquerque’s AMAFCA is facing accusations of burying wildlife alive during drainage work at the La Orilla stormwater site, after volunteers reported animals suffocated when the basin was pumped dry; AMAFCA says the facility isn’t meant as habitat and crews halted draining after wildlife was found. Drought & Wildlife Conflict: New Mexico’s drought-driven food shortages are pushing bears into neighborhoods, with the state reporting dozens of bear euthanizations this year and warning that habituation to human food can lead to lethal outcomes. Data Centers & Air Permits: New Mexico Supreme Court stays are pausing key air-quality permit steps for Project Jupiter near Santa Teresa, slowing parts of the Oracle/OpenAI-backed AI campus while construction continues. Extreme Heat & Power Reliability: PNM outages hit hundreds of Albuquerque customers during record hot weather, including a downed-line incident near UNM affecting 582 people. Flood Risk Forecast: Monday could bring showers and storms across western and central New Mexico, with possible flash flooding—especially near burn scars and along the Continental Divide. Local Climate/Environment Watch: Cloudcroft and Sunspot advocates are pushing to delay further demolition after the Dunn Solar Telescope was deemed unsafe to reopen due to mercury contamination. Nuclear Legacy: Tina Cordova, a Tularosa Basin downwinder, is set to speak at the UN about health impacts from Trinity-era testing.

Colorado River fight: Nevada became the first state to sue the Trump administration over proposed Colorado River water cuts, arguing Lower Basin states would take steep losses while upstream states like New Mexico face no mandatory reductions. Local water stress: In Sierra County, a new report urges practical steps to stabilize Elephant Butte Lake and protect farmers and the recreation economy as the reservoir hits historic lows. Project Jupiter pause: New Mexico Supreme Court rulings granted emergency stays, halting Project Jupiter’s air-quality permit process and potentially slowing construction at the Santa Teresa Industrial Park site. Wildlife and drought impacts: Albuquerque crews relocated dozens of animals from a West Side catchment after locals raised concerns during drought-driven dry-up. Fire and storms: A flash flood warning was issued for Lincoln County near the South Fork burn scar, while northwestern New Mexico saw monsoon storms with flash-flood risk. Community access: Santa Fe County is considering buying land to expand parking and improve access at the Rio en Medio Trail after repeated closures and bottlenecks. Wildland firefighter squeeze: A report highlights low pay and housing insecurity for federal wildland firefighters, including one living in a van at a ranger station.