New Mexico Sun


Critics denounce EPA's rollback on methane protection standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its proposals to remove methane protections from the New Source Performance Standards.


New Mexico adopts updated energy conservation building code

The New Mexico Construction Industries Commission has adopted a new statewide energy conservation code, based on the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with specific amendments for New Mexico.


Court reinstates Obama-era rule preventing gas waste on federal lands

Late yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California invalidated the Trump Administration's rollback of the Obama-era Waste Prevention Rule.


Lawsuit challenges New Mexico oil and gas lease sales over public participation concerns

A coalition has filed a lawsuit challenging the sale of oil and gas leases on nearly 41,000 acres of public land in New Mexico.


Public Regulation Commission considers renewables for San Juan coal replacement

The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) hearing examiners have presented several options for replacing the retiring San Juan Generating Station.


New Mexico commission approves low-cost renewable energy projects

A recent decision by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has paved the way for new investments and job creation in the state, along with providing some of the lowest-cost renewable energy globally.


Greater Chaco Coalition opposes continued drilling plans amid pandemic

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have declined requests to extend the public comment period for a contentious drilling plan in the Greater Chaco region.


Delay jeopardizes low-cost solar projects intended as replacements for coal-generated power

A coalition of community, faith, tribal, and environmental advocates in New Mexico expressed disappointment over the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's (PRC) decision to delay the approval of two solar and battery storage projects.


Groups challenge land sale for fracking amid pandemic

A coalition of environmental groups has appealed to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to halt a proposal for selling public lands for fracking amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn in the oil and gas industry.


New Mexico PRC approves Solar Direct Program for expanded access to solar energy

Stephanie Dzur of the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE) announced that the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) has approved the Solar Direct Program.


Udall introduces bill to update oil and gas rates on public land

Senator Tom Udall has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at updating oil and gas royalty rates on public lands.


Greater Chaco Coalition criticizes BLM's draft plan amid ongoing fracking concerns

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have released the Mancos-Gallup Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Greater Chaco region.


PNM plans exit from San Juan Generating Station; PRC staff raises concerns

Late on February 21, Public Regulation Commission (PRC) hearing examiners issued recommended decisions supporting PNM's exit from its ownership and operation of the San Juan Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant.


Op-ed criticizes PNM's investment in carbon capture technology

In a recent op-ed published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on February 7, a Director expressed concerns regarding the investment in carbon capture technology.


PRC approves PNM's plan for La Joya Wind Farm in New Mexico

On January 29, the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) gave the green light to PNM's 2020 Renewable Energy Plan.


New Mexico's Environment Day focuses on advocacy against fracking wastewater leaks

Penny Aucoin, a resident affected by a recent fracking wastewater leak outside Carlsbad, will address attendees at a rally during Environment Day at the New Mexico Capitol.


New Mexicans urge PRC for full shift to renewables over San Juan coal

On January 21, 2020, members of the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) listened to comments from numerous New Mexicans advocating for a complete transition from San Juan coal electricity to renewable energy sources.


Xcel agrees to retire Tolk power plant by 2032 under new rate case agreement

Yesterday, the Sierra Club entered into an uncontested comprehensive agreement in a proceeding before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.


Escalante coal plant set to close as Tri-State announces retirement plans

Tri-State Generation and Transmission has announced the closure of the Escalante coal-fired power plant located in McKinley County.


Oil Conservation Commission adopts rules to enforce penalties on oil and gas industry

Community leaders in New Mexico have expressed approval for the recent decision by the Oil Conservation Commission to implement new enforcement rules aimed at protecting the state's air and water resources from oil and gas pollution.