AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Preparedness: Experts say federal staff cuts at public-lands agencies are already slowing prescribed burning and thinning, raising alarms about how well crews can fight the coming fire season. Recycling Fire & Air Quality: A second blaze in less than a month hit an Albuquerque South Valley recycling site, closing Broadway and triggering a health alert as thick smoke drifted over the area. Flood Resilience: Luna County marked completion of the Columbus Berm Project Phase III, adding diversion berms, a bridge, and stormwater storage to reduce flooding risk near the border port of entry. Uranium Development Watch: Energy Fuels filed updates for its Roca Honda uranium project, with public comment and possible hearings tied to the state permitting process. Water & Climate Signals: Reports highlight worsening dryness in the Southwest and ongoing drought pressure, underscoring why fire and water planning are colliding this summer. Tribal Agriculture Partnership: Santa Ana Pueblo and Lescombes Family Vineyards announced a new grape cultivation partnership using sustainable farming practices.

Wildfire recovery in eastern NM: Quay County declared a disaster after wildfires burned over 30,000 acres near Nara Visa, aiming to unlock state aid for ranchers and others; officials also reiterated a burn ban as drought continues to drive large losses. Air pollution and fire risk at recycling sites: In Albuquerque’s South Valley, crews responded to a blaze at a recycling yard that’s the second fire there in a month, sending a visible smoke plume and triggering a health alert; residents were told to turn off evaporative coolers and avoid outdoor activity. Water stress across the West: Experts warn another warm, dry winter could leave Colorado River reservoirs nearly dry, underscoring the need for major, lasting cuts in water use across the basin. PFAS rules move forward in NM: New Mexico finalized a rule tightening restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, with an effective July 1 start and future sales limits for multiple product categories. Uranium mining scrutiny: Sen. Ben Ray Luján pressed the U.S. Forest Service chief over a proposed Canjilon uranium mine, questioning whether exploration plans have the needed approvals. Heat and storm outlook: Forecasts point to hot conditions with storm chances and a growing heavy-rain concern that could raise flood risk in parts of eastern NM.

PFAS Rule Update: New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board finalized a rule regulating intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, with an effective date of July 1 and sales limits starting Jan. 1, 2027 (plus broader carpet, cleaning, cosmetics, and other product coverage later). Climate Science Fight: New Mexico’s AG William Tong joined a coalition urging the Federal Judicial Center to reverse its removal of a climate science reference guide from the judicial manual. Primary Day Weather: A flash flood watch is in effect for Ruidoso and the Sacramento Mountains (11 a.m.–9 p.m.), with heavy rain risk across much of eastern/central/southern NM and possible damaging wind gusts and large hail. Solar Momentum: Despite partisan attacks, solar is still expanding as data-center power demand grows and some blocked projects get approvals. Wildlife & Land Use: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer across 17 states, aiming to align working lands with habitat needs. Election Context: Polls opened statewide for NM’s primary, including the governor’s race and congressional contests, with independents newly able to request party ballots under the semi-open system.

Wildfire Watch: New Mexico is heading toward an above-normal wildfire season peak in late June, with the National Interagency Fire Center citing a surge in ignitions since winter drought and dry lightning left fuels primed. Flood Risk: A monsoon-like weather pattern is building across the state, with heavy-rain pockets and flooding concerns in parts of eastern and southeastern New Mexico—plus reminders to avoid arroyos and water roads. PFAS Fallout: A major PFAS contamination case is putting New Mexico farmers and ranchers in the spotlight, tied to PFAS foam runoff from Cannon Air Force Base and the state’s broader push to hold the federal government accountable. Border Resilience: Columbus officials celebrated the first phase of a $30 million flood diversion “Berm Project” meant to protect the 24-hour port of entry and nearby industrial area from monsoon flooding. Clean Energy & Policy: The SEC proposed repealing climate disclosure rules, a move environmental groups say would strip investors of data on climate risks. Local Science: Sandia helped NASA test Dragonfly’s heat shield for Titan’s fiery descent, using high-heat solar tower trials.

Weather & Climate Watch: A developing El Niño is showing early signs of shifting U.S. weather—potentially wetter in the South and warmer/drier in the North—and could mean a more active Pacific hurricane season. Heat & Storms: New Mexico is heading into a hotter Monday with rain chances building midweek, plus localized thunderstorm monitoring in the south and east. Air Quality Hazard: The National Weather Service issued dust storm advisories for Eddy County and parts of far West Texas, warning of reduced visibility and hazardous driving. PFAS & Refrigerants: Regulatory experts say PFAS rules and A2L building-code requirements keep evolving, with more state-level action and a risk-based approach gaining traction. Local Cleanup & Safety: Albuquerque demolition is set to begin on the former Lindy’s Diner building after a partial collapse, with asbestos found in parts of the remaining structure. Water & Land: A column warns that salt cedar’s spread in drought-stressed river corridors can worsen soil salinization while native habitat declines. Energy/Industry: A produced-water management discussion highlights growing risks from shallow injection and legacy wells in the Permian.

Data Center Watch: New reporting traces how “Project Jupiter” for Santa Teresa grew from early legislative and local deals into a major flashpoint over transparency, water claims, and power plans—after public opposition to data centers surged nationwide. Local Governance & Stormwater: An Albuquerque “green stormwater infrastructure” pilot is drawing fire from residents who say soil findings point to clogging and failed infiltration, raising concerns about undermining nearby homes. Air Quality & Travel Safety: The National Weather Service issued dust advisories for Eddy County and parts of West Texas, warning of hazardous visibility along major highways. Wildfire & Drought: The Seven Cabins Fire near Capitan Mountain is at 28,910 acres and 48% contained, with hotter, drier conditions ahead; meanwhile, drought remains severe statewide as forecasts hint at some June rain. Water News: Elephant Butte Dam releases are underway, sending water downstream toward El Paso after months of low Rio Grande flows in southern New Mexico. Science & Community: Sunspot Solar Observatory supporters are pushing back against NSF demolition plans after a mercury leak, arguing the site could be repurposed for education and outreach.

Wildfire Watch: The Seven Cabins Fire near Capitan Mountain has reached 28,910 acres and is 48% contained, with crews warning that hotter, drier conditions could push fire danger higher. Drought & Fire Risk: A forecast roundup notes severe drought still covers about 85% of New Mexico, even as June may bring wetter-than-average conditions in the short term. Rio Grande Water: Elephant Butte Dam’s annual release is underway, sending water downstream toward El Paso after months of dryness in southern New Mexico. Data Centers & Water: Oracle’s Project Jupiter fight continues in Santa Teresa/Doña Ana County, with Oracle saying it won’t use public drinking water for cooling or fuel cells—while residents and supporters debate impacts. Local Conservation: Partners are expanding free playa restoration in eastern New Mexico to help recharge the Ogallala Aquifer and boost drought resilience. Powerline Permits: USDA Forest Service and NM rural electric cooperatives released statewide guidance to streamline utility special-use permits across national forests, aiming to reduce delays and support wildfire mitigation.

Rio Grande Water: The annual Elephant Butte release is underway, sending water downstream through Caballo Reservoir toward El Paso after a low-storage year; officials say the initial flow is faster than models and warn people to stay out of the riverbed. Supreme Court Water Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic Rio Grande compact settlement, ending a 13-year dispute and setting a long-term framework for surface deliveries and groundwater use below Elephant Butte. Playas Restoration: Eastern New Mexico conservation partners are expanding free playa restoration to help recharge the Ogallala Aquifer, improve water quality, cut erosion, and boost drought resilience. Drought Relief for Farmers: USDA designated all of New Mexico a natural disaster area for drought, unlocking emergency loan help for equipment, livestock, and recovery costs. Wildfire Update: The Seven Cabins Fire is 49% contained as warmer, drier weather returns, with closures and fire restrictions still in place. Data Center Water Debate: Oracle is pushing back on Project Jupiter water-use claims, saying it will use treated non-potable well water for cooling and fuel cells, not public drinking water. Local Governance & Health: Senators advanced a bill extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years, including New Mexico hospitals.

Data Center & Power Expansion: Nearly 100 people packed a public meeting in Yellow Creek Township to learn about “Project Astralus,” a planned data center and power plant expected to be operational in Q3 2027, with construction starting this summer. Drought Relief for Farmers: The USDA designated all of New Mexico a natural disaster area for drought, opening the door to emergency Farm Service Agency loans for equipment, livestock, and recovery costs. Wildfire Update: The human-caused Seven Cabins Fire is 49% contained after scattered storms, but crews warn warmer, drier weather could bring faster drying and stronger winds. Storm Outlook: Rain chances ease Friday evening in parts of eastern New Mexico, while early next week could bring flash-flood concerns around Ruidoso. Oil & Gas Cleanup Costs: New Mexico’s State Land Office proposed a major jump in oil-and-gas bonding requirements to ensure companies pay more upfront for cleanup and plugging. Housing Costs & Insurance: A new report says renters are also getting hit by the property insurance crisis, with rising insurance costs squeezing affordable housing budgets and potentially pushing costs onto tenants.

Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic settlement ending the long-running Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado dispute, setting a long-term framework for Lower Rio Grande water deliveries and groundwater use below Elephant Butte—aimed at giving communities and farms planning certainty. Nuclear Oversight: A public comment period is open on NNSA’s plan to produce more plutonium bomb cores after a judge ruled the agency failed to properly assess environmental impacts under NEPA; hearings were held, including one tied to Livermore Lab, with comments due July 16. Border Impacts on Sacred Sites: Indigenous leaders and environmental advocates say U.S.-Mexico border wall construction is desecrating sacred places, with blasting and bulldozing reported near Kuuchamaa Mountain. Endangered Species Fight: A conservation group sued over protections for the tiny Quitobaquito Springs snail, arguing federal officials missed deadlines to list it and protect its habitat from border-wall-related threats. Weather & Fire Risk: Forecasts point to storm chances returning across eastern New Mexico while the west stays focused on fire danger and Red Flag Warnings. Boating Safety & Clean Water: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include New Mexico, emphasizing safe and environmentally responsible boating.

Rio Grande Water Deal: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement ending a 13-year fight over Rio Grande water between New Mexico and Texas, setting a long-term framework for surface deliveries and groundwater use below Elephant Butte and shielding taxpayers from major liability. Drought Relief for Farmers: The USDA declared drought disaster status for all 33 New Mexico counties, making ranchers and farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans up to $500,000, with a Dec. 24, 2026 application deadline. Local Drought Impacts: Corrales declared a village emergency, citing severe fire danger and low river levels that have already forced Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District pump shutdowns. Wildfire Watch: The Seven Cabins Fire in Capitan Mountain is 46% contained as crews push defensible space and mop-up, with thunderstorms possible in higher terrain. Heat & Storms: Forecasts point to warm, dry conditions with scattered storms returning to eastern New Mexico, plus gusty winds and a higher fire-spread risk from low humidity and dry fuels. Water-Use Claims in Doña Ana: Oracle’s “Project Jupiter” responded to concerns about drinking-water use, saying it will use treated non-potable well water for cooling and fuel cells, not public drinking water.

Wildfire & Reforestation: New Mexico is ramping up after recent wildfires with a major tree-planting push—aiming to grow 1 million seedlings a year by 2028 and 5 million by 2030, with greenhouse capacity built to help repair burned landscapes. Drought & Fire Risk: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a statewide drought and wildfire emergency as conditions tighten and water stress grows. Monsoon Prep & Flood Safety: Bernalillo County Fire Rescue is training for fast monsoon flooding, warning that arroyos and even roads can turn dangerous in seconds. Local Weather Watch: Eastern New Mexico could see more showers and thunderstorms, with fog and reduced visibility possible Thursday morning in parts of the east before storms return. Fire Updates: The Seven Cabins Fire is 46% contained after rain slowed spread, though crews warn heat can linger in dense fuels. Energy & Water Protection: The New Mexico State Land Office is holding hearings on raising oil-and-gas bonding requirements and adding annual reporting—an effort backed by some advocates as a way to reduce public risk if companies fail. Data Centers: Santa Fe County is considering a year-long moratorium on new data centers, citing the need for environmental and land-use standards—echoing similar pushback statewide. Public Health Workforce: Gov. Lujan Grisham expanded New Mexico’s physician loan repayment program to help address critical care gaps across rural counties. Recovery for Fire Victims: A new state-run disaster recovery center opened in Las Vegas to help wildfire and flood victims with case management and reconstruction permitting.

Wildfire Watch: A federal outlook map flags heightened wildfire risk this summer across large swaths of the West as drought and warmer-than-normal conditions dry fuels. Local Fire Update: The Seven Cabins Fire in Capitan Mountain is 46% contained after rain slowed spread, but crews warn warmer, drier weather could bring renewed smoke and activity. Monsoon Prep: Bernalillo County Fire Rescue is training for fast-moving monsoon flooding, warning arroyos and even roads can turn dangerous within seconds. State Energy Oversight: New Mexico State Land Office hearings would raise oil and gas well-plugging bond requirements from $10,000 to $150,000 minimum and add annual reporting. Water & Climate Signals: NOAA’s El Niño outlook is strengthening, but impacts for Colorado and the broader region depend on storm track details. Air Quality/Weather Hazards: A dust storm wall swept through the Albuquerque area, with the National Weather Service warning of blowing dust through southern and central parts of the city. Predator Policy Fight: Green groups sued to block predator removals in wilderness areas, arguing agencies are overstepping the Wilderness Act. Drought Context: Federal officials say this winter’s snowpack melted out unusually early, offering little relief for drought-strained water supplies.

Uranium & Water Risks: Energy Fuels filed a finalized plan for uranium mining near Mount Taylor in New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest, including pumping groundwater to access ore, treating it, and releasing it into the Rio San Jose—sparking renewed concern from environmental and Diné advocates. Drought & Wildfire Emergency: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a statewide drought and wildfire emergency, citing extreme dryness, low snowpack, high winds, and fast-growing fires, and urged water conservation and fireworks limits. Storms & Flood Watch: After a wetter stretch, most of New Mexico is drying out, but northeastern areas still face rounds of showers and a flash-flood risk tied to saturated soils; forecasters also warn of a warm, windy end to May with localized fire-weather danger. Wildfire Science: A new study finds the West has fewer wildfires than decades past, but the ones that do ignite are more destructive—especially lightning-caused fires. Industrial Accident (Regional): In Washington state, a paper mill chemical tank imploded, killing at least one worker and leaving nine missing, with crews focused on stabilizing the tank to prevent further caustic leaks.

Industrial Disaster: A chemical tank imploded at a Washington paper mill, killing at least one worker and leaving nine others missing, with responders pausing recovery until they can stabilize the unstable wreck. Drought & Wildfire: New Mexico issued a statewide drought declaration as wildfire risk and low water supplies intensify, urging fireworks bans and water-saving steps. Flood Watch: Eastern New Mexico faces another round of storms Tuesday night, with heavy rain, lightning, and a flash-flood risk in areas that already saw about 2 inches. Water & Climate Science: New research warns that heavier downpours don’t always mean more usable water—intense bursts can leave soils drier over time. Energy & Land Use: A uranium company’s finalized New Mexico plan includes treating mine water and discharging it into a nearby river, drawing renewed scrutiny amid drought. Public Health Workforce: Gov. Lujan Grisham expanded New Mexico’s physician loan repayment program to help close critical care gaps across the state. Online Child Safety: AG Brown joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for kids online.

PFAS Fight: Clean-water advocates are blasting EPA’s move to revoke six Biden-era “forever chemical” rules, saying the agency is narrowing protections and giving companies more time while New Mexico’s PFAS lawsuit over Cannon Air Force Base cleanup grinds on. Water Watch: After a dust storm, parts of New Mexico saw real rain Monday and more showers/storms are possible again today, with the east still the main risk for heavy downpours. Drought Pressure: New Mexico remains in statewide drought mode as wildfire danger rises and river flows stay low, pushing local water-saving steps. Online Child Safety: Connecticut’s AG opened an investigation into Roblox over reports of child exploitation, adding to a broader multistate push for stronger online protections. Renewables Supply Chain: RES opened a Houston warehouse to stock solar and battery parts for faster maintenance—an effort aimed at keeping projects running as demand and supply-chain strain both spike. Wildlife Signals: New Mexico insect declines are getting more attention, with researchers warning fewer bugs can ripple through ecosystems and food crops.