AGP Executive Report

Colorado River & Tribal Water: A new federal plan reshapes Colorado River rules, with tribal nations bracing for major impacts as water cuts tighten. Project Jupiter & Air Permits: New Mexico’s Supreme Court pauses key permitting steps for Oracle’s Project Jupiter data center, adding fresh legal friction to the hyperscale boom. Wildfire & Water Supply Risk: The Frijoles Fire is threatening Rio Frijoles and Rio Medio, raising concerns about burn-scar flooding and impacts to Santa Cruz Lake’s water. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasts call for more showers and storms across New Mexico, with brief heavy rain, minor flooding risk, and hail possible in the east. Scrap Tire Cleanup: Bernalillo County won a Clean and Beautiful grant to keep Scrap Tire Amnesty Days running and curb illegal tire dumping. Food Access: NM food banks report higher demand as stricter SNAP rules and inflation push more people to seek help. Housing Health Complaint: An Albuquerque grandmother alleges rodents, roaches, and repair hazards make her apartment unsafe for her asthma-sick grandson. Caregiving Program Results: A New MexiCare evaluation finds six-month benefits for family caregivers, with potential downstream cost savings by helping older adults stay at home.

Project Jupiter & AI data centers: A major political fight over data centers is reshaping elections nationwide, with New Mexico’s Project Jupiter in the spotlight as opponents push back over impacts on water and air. Wildfire aftermath: The Frijoles Fire is stoking fears of a “complete disaster” at Santa Cruz Lake, where burn scars raise concerns about flash flooding if monsoon rains return. Heat & drought: New Mexico is still dealing with record-high temperatures and ongoing drought stress, with scattered monsoon showers possible but limited relief. Local cleanup: Bernalillo County won a $9,375 grant to keep Scrap Tire Amnesty Days running, aiming to cut illegal tire dumping that can worsen public health and fire risk. Wildlife conflict: Westwide bear incidents are rising, and New Mexico is seeing more black bear trouble as drought and erratic weather push bears toward human areas. Health funding: Several southwest New Mexico providers are set to receive state Rural Health Care Delivery Fund money, including support for mental health and rural clinics.

Colorado River Cuts: Arizona is bracing for a major federal reduction in Colorado River deliveries starting next year, with Interior and Reclamation setting 2027–2028 Lower Basin cuts of 1.25 million acre-feet and leaving bigger long-term negotiations unresolved. Wildlife Rescue vs. Drought: In Albuquerque, neighbors and animal advocates say drought-driven wildlife ended up in stormwater trash racks and retention basins; AMAFCA says crews are relocating animals and that decontamination work sparked protests over how wildlife was handled. Wildfire Risk from Heat: New research links heatwaves to nearly half of wildfire burned area in the West over the past 25 years, underscoring how hotter stretches can compound fire danger. Project Jupiter Legal/Permitting: New Mexico’s Supreme Court pauses parts of Project Jupiter’s permitting process, adding another hurdle for the massive data center’s water and air approvals. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B to states over alleged harms to children online, including limits and “night mode” requirements—New Mexico’s AG says it doesn’t fully match what the state already won in court. Hanford Cleanup Step: Hanford restarted certification for transuranic waste headed to WIPP in New Mexico, a key step toward permanent disposal.

Project Jupiter & data-center backlash: New Mexico’s Project Jupiter AI hyperscale complex is still colliding with environmental and public-process concerns, with the New Mexico Supreme Court pausing parts of the permitting process and reporting highlighting how data-center fights are reshaping politics across the country. Wildlife & water stress: The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to remove feral horses, citing drought, overgrazing, and harm to riparian habitat, with public comments open through Sept. 17. Local habitat rescue: AMAFCA is responding to wildlife trapped at a North Valley trash rack near Coors Blvd, relocating frogs and turtles and planning drainage changes to prevent pooling. Climate-disaster costs: A new report says New Mexico’s rising climate-disaster bills are being paid largely through oil and gas revenue, even though the disasters are tied to a warming planet. Health insurance squeeze: A Legislative Finance Committee analysis warns New Mexico’s Health Care Affordability Fund could become insolvent by FY2028 without cost controls. Roads: NMDOT is doing US 491 rehabilitation near Gallup and tunnel maintenance on US 82 in Otero County, with short-term lane closures and delays expected. Meta settlement (not NM-specific): Meta agreed to pay up to $17–$18 billion in a multi-state child-safety settlement, but New Mexico’s own Meta case is described as already having produced major court-ordered penalties.

Project Jupiter legal pause: The New Mexico Supreme Court temporarily halted parts of Oracle’s hyperscale AI data center permitting, buying time for leaders to weigh next steps while opponents argue the process lacked due process and transparency on water and power impacts. Water stress in the borderlands: A natural gas pipeline tied to Project Jupiter—the Green Chile line—has been delayed to at least early 2027 after challenges knocked it off a fast-track path. Local water crisis: Pojoaque Terraces Mobile Home Park residents say they’ve gone nearly 11 days without water after a well collapse, raising renewed concerns about water quality and communication. Radiation cleanup update: Hanford restarted certifying transuranic waste for shipment to WIPP near Carlsbad, aiming to resume shipments by Sept. 30, 2028. Heat safety push: New Mexico’s health department rolled out a heat safety initiative for heat stroke prevention and response, with community training planned Aug. 26. Recycling momentum: Silver City Recycles and Trash 2 Treasure held a town hall on expanding recycling in rural Grant County, focusing on practical local solutions. Severe weather watch: A severe thunderstorm watch covers northeast New Mexico and parts of the Texas/Oklahoma panhandles, with damaging winds and large hail possible.

Project Jupiter Legal Turmoil: The New Mexico Supreme Court paused air-permit proceedings for the hyperscale AI data center, while an NMED officer recused himself from the permitting process after challenges from environmental groups. Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the federal government over “devastating” Colorado River cuts under a new operating plan, arguing the rules hit the Lower Basin hardest as Lake Mead and Lake Powell sit near record lows. PFAS Warning-Label Lawsuit: A New Mexico federal court is set to weigh whether the state can require PFAS warning labels on consumer products, with manufacturers arguing it violates free speech. PFAS Policy Watch: A new PFAS legal roundup highlights shifting federal standards, state hazardous waste moves, and ongoing litigation. Recycling Push in Silver City: A town hall in Silver City focused on making recycling more workable in a rural area, with residents and local groups brainstorming upgrades to curbside and drop-off systems. Heat and Fire Context: Another round of extreme heat advisories hit New Mexico, while the Frijoles Fire death was identified as a crew member from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Wildlife Society at UNM: UNM launched a student sustainability corps to boost recycling and waste diversion across campus.

Colorado River Fight: Nevada is the first state to sue the federal government over newly adopted Colorado River cuts, arguing the plan unfairly targets Lower Basin states (including Nevada) while leaving Upper Basin states like New Mexico to voluntary conservation—potentially shrinking southern Nevada’s allocation by more than 70%. Project Jupiter Legal Pressure: In southern New Mexico, the New Mexico Supreme Court paused parts of the Project Jupiter air permit and water use, and the hearing officer overseeing the air permit later recused himself, adding more delays to the Oracle/OpenAI data center project. Wildfire & Heat: Record-breaking heat continues to bake the Southwest, while Nevada’s Hawk Fire near Reno grows past 15,000 acres and drives large-scale evacuations. Local Climate-Disaster Costs: A report highlights how New Mexico’s rising climate-disaster bills are being paid using oil and gas revenue. Energy Bills in the Heat: PNM customers are seeing higher summer costs, and some are getting multi-month bills due to meter-reader staffing shortages. Wildfire Response: The Frijoles Fire near Santa Fe remains around 15,200 acres, and a Forest Service crew member died in a medical incident.

Project Jupiter Fight in Court: The New Mexico Supreme Court paused Project Jupiter’s air quality permit process and also halted water use tied to the project, ordering the state engineer to stop drawing from a specific well while environmental groups challenge the permits. Local Permitting Turmoil: A hearing officer overseeing the NMED air permit recused himself after opponents argued the process wasn’t fair, adding more friction to the already protested data center project. Water Stress Beyond One Project: Nevada filed lawsuits against the federal Colorado River operating plan, arguing Lower Basin states face steep cuts while Upper Basin states like New Mexico avoid mandatory reductions. Heat and Power Costs: As record warmth and dryness persist, PNM customers are dealing with higher bills and some multi-month billing delays tied to meter-reader staffing shortages. Methane Rule Push: NMED petitioned the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt a methane abatement rule aimed at cutting large, uncontrolled gas releases. Rural Farm Strain: New Mexico farmers say Agriculture Department services like loans and technical help are delayed or hard to access, forcing some to turn to private lenders. Energy Demand Pressure: New reporting highlights how AI data centers are driving major electricity demand growth, fueling local backlash over impacts. Biofuel Research: Texas A&M researchers are studying prickly pear cactus as a drought-tough crop for biofuels and functional food ingredients, including partnerships that include New Mexico State University.

Project Jupiter Legal Fight: More than 100 protesters rallied outside the New Mexico Environment Department in Santa Fe, demanding the agency deny the air permit for Oracle/OpenAI’s Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa—while the New Mexico Supreme Court issued a temporary stay pausing the permit proceedings as justices consider whether the state can move forward without key details about the project’s fuel source. Wildfire & Water Risks: The Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico is at about 45% containment, with crews building deep containment lines as warm, dry weather and lightning-driven fire behavior remain concerns; downriver communities near Santa Cruz Lake are watching for burn-scar impacts like flash flooding. Heat Across New Mexico: A persistent heat wave is pushing triple digits in parts of the state, with only spotty storm chances—raising risks for outdoor work, wildfire conditions, and stormwater hazards. Colorado River Reality Check: New federal Colorado River operating rules for 2027–2028 keep cuts focused on the Lower Basin, while drought continues to drive historic low reservoir levels that threaten water supplies across the Southwest, including New Mexico.

Colorado River Water Cuts: New federal operating rules for 2027–2028 set major reductions for the Lower Basin, with Arizona, California and Nevada facing steep cutbacks while New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming avoid mandatory cuts—another reminder that Southwest water security is still on a knife edge. Wildfire & Water Supply Risk: The lightning-caused Frijoles Fire in northern New Mexico has grown past 15,000 acres and is nearing half containment, with crews building contingency lines; officials warn smoke and the burn scar could raise flash-flood risks for downstream communities and Santa Cruz Lake, a key water source. Heat & Drought Pressure: A persistent heat wave is keeping storm chances low across New Mexico, while drought remains severe across the Intermountain West and major reservoirs hit historic lows—conditions that can worsen both wildfire danger and water shortages. Uranium & Tribal Health Concerns: A report highlights renewed pressure to expand domestic uranium production, spotlighting worries from the Ute Mountain Ute community near the White Mesa Mill about possible contamination pathways. Local Air/Weather Alerts: New Mexico agencies issued smoke and heat guidance as temperatures stay near or above triple digits in many areas.

Data Center Fight in Doña Ana: Oracle’s Project Jupiter is rolling out an aggressive “A NEW DAY FOR NEW MEXICO” PR push—mailers, sponsorships, and community signings—while residents and critics say secrecy and rushed approvals fueled backlash and legal fights, including a push to halt or scrutinize the air quality permit. Wildfire & Water Risk: The lightning-caused Frijoles Fire is closing in on Rio Medio and Rio Frijoles, raising fears for Santa Cruz Lake’s water supply and the burn-scar flash-flood threat as monsoon rains loom. Heat & Storm Watch: Forecasts call for record-challenging triple-digit heat across New Mexico with only spotty storm chances, plus ongoing air-quality concerns tied to wildfire smoke. LANL Preparedness Drill: Los Alamos National Laboratory ran a full-scale emergency exercise with local and tribal partners to test wildland fire response, coordination, and hazardous materials readiness. Colorado River Cuts: Federal officials finalized 2027–2028 Colorado River operating rules, forcing major reductions for Arizona, California, and Nevada—another reminder of how drought is reshaping water planning across the Southwest. Uranium & Tribal Health: As the U.S. boosts domestic uranium production, tribal communities near uranium facilities are renewing concerns about contamination and health impacts.

Colorado River Drought Response: Federal officials finalized major Colorado River water cutbacks for 2027–2028, requiring California, Nevada and Arizona to reduce use by 1.25 million acre-feet per year, with possible deeper cuts if conditions worsen, while upstream states including New Mexico face no mandatory reductions for now. New Mexico Water Reality Check: With Elephant Butte Lake down to about 2% of conservation capacity, New Mexico State Parks closed the main boat ramp, underscoring how shrinking reservoirs are hitting recreation, tourism and irrigation. Local Air Fight: Protesters rallied outside the New Mexico Environment Department urging it to deny an air quality permit for the controversial Project Jupiter data center, ahead of a Sept. 14 hearing. PFAS Public Input: New Mexico is taking comments on the PFAS Protection Act’s exemptions, including fluoropolymer carve-outs, as the state weighs health and environmental risks. Heat & Storms: Forecasts warn of record or near-record heat across New Mexico this weekend, with limited storm chances and heat advisories in parts of the state. Wildlife & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S. and officials say the risk of outbreak is currently low, while veterinarians and pet owners are urged to watch for symptoms. Bayard Landfill Costs: Bayard is moving toward higher county landfill fees, potentially doubling the monthly landfill charge for residents.

Colorado River Drought Response: The Interior Department finalized a 2027–2028 operating plan and a 10-year framework to keep Lake Powell and Lake Mead from sliding further, ordering Lower Basin states (Arizona, California, Nevada) to cut 1.25 million acre-feet per year, with an added 700,000 acre-feet in voluntary conservation; Upper Basin states including New Mexico face no mandatory cuts for now, but deeper reductions could come if conditions worsen. New Mexico Water & PFAS Oversight: New Mexico is taking public comments on HJM 3’s PFAS Protection Act review, including risks tied to exemptions like fluoropolymers. Project Jupiter Air Permit Fight: Residents protested outside the NM Environment Department, urging denial of Project Jupiter’s air quality permit; opponents are also pursuing legal challenges over water sourcing and permit process. Heat & Storm Risk: Forecasts call for record-challenging heat across New Mexico with only limited monsoon storms, plus ongoing wildfire smoke/air-quality concerns. Rio Grande Safety: Two swift-water rescues and one death were reported in the same Albuquerque arroyo over 10 days, renewing calls to stop risky access points. Local Governance & Safety: Albuquerque Public Schools added weapons detectors and tightened clear bag rules at stadiums. Wildlife Research Fundraiser: “Fat Marmot Week” kicks off to raise money for marmot research amid federal budget cuts.

Colorado River Rules: The federal Bureau of Reclamation finalized new operating rules for the Colorado River, setting near-term cutbacks for California, Arizona and Nevada and keeping the door open for harsher reductions later. New Mexico Water & Health: U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández urged a federal watchdog to investigate hazardous metals in fire retardants after health alerts tied to antimony, arsenic and uranium concerns. Public Lands Under Pressure: USDA moved to rescind the Roadless Rule, a move environmental groups say could worsen wildfire risk by loosening protections across about 45 million acres. Project Jupiter Fight: New legal challenges target the Santa Teresa AI data center’s water well approvals, alleging emergency pumping may violate New Mexico water law. Wildfire Update: The Frijoles Fire grew to about 15,186 acres with containment at 38%, while officials tracked smoke and air-quality impacts. Mosquito Season: New Mexico health officials warned a longer mosquito season could extend West Nile risk into the fall. Extreme Heat: Forecasts point to record-challenging heat and storm chances shifting across New Mexico.

Heat & Drought: New Mexico and the broader West are still baking, with monsoon rains failing to deliver widespread relief and drought expanding; Water Stress: the Colorado River fight keeps intensifying as reservoirs hit record lows and federal rules loom, while Rio Grande conditions are worsening enough that BLM is warning about harmful algal blooms in Río Grande del Norte National Monument; Public Safety: thunderstorms are set to bring wind, hail, heavy rain and lightning across New Mexico, and crews are searching after a person was rescued and a second was reported missing in an arroyo sweep near 4 Hills; Federal Land Policy: USDA has proposed rescinding the Roadless Rule nationwide, a move that could reshape wildfire and forest management across millions of acres; Local Environment & Community: Taos-area BLM is posting updated HAB guidance, and Los Alamos is inviting the public to an Aug. 25 environmental stewardship exhibit opening at the Bradbury Science Museum; Wildlife: New Mexico wildlife officials say they’ve euthanized 129 black bears this year after depredation complaints, including 13 in the Albuquerque area.

Wildfire & Air Quality: The Frijoles Fire in the Pecos Wilderness grew to just under 14,000 acres with 31% containment, and smoke is already triggering health alerts—New Mexico issued an air quality alert for the Santa Fe metro, urging people to limit exposure as conditions worsen for sensitive groups. Heat & Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flagged extreme heat across the southern U.S., with parts of the Desert Southwest near 120°F, while New Mexico faces a mix of lingering warmth and possible afternoon storms that could bring flash flooding risk. Water Under Pressure: State officials opened a second round of about $35 million for brackish groundwater projects to build new supplies, while in Deming the city approved a five-year moratorium on transferring city water rights as drought and water planning collide with outside interest. Rio Grande Legal Tensions: With the Rio Grande running dry, observers warn that water disputes may intensify and force tougher decisions about who gets priority during prolonged drought. Conservation & Rivers: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $1.2 million for Pecos River watershed restoration and native species recovery, backed by matching funds. Public Health: NM health officials warned mosquito season could last longer than usual, raising West Nile Virus risk into fall, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Community Solar: SunShare and CSolPower say they’ve completed two community solar gardens in New Mexico, aiming to cut power costs for subscribers. Public Lands & Climate: UNESCO raised concerns about a possible rollback of drilling-free protections around Chaco Culture National Historical Park, warning that extractive activity could threaten world heritage status. Border Wildlife: Jaguar sightings tied to border wall construction highlight ongoing concerns about wildlife corridors and habitat fragmentation.