News from December 2024
U.S. sees significant drop in methane emissions despite record energy production
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 12, 2024
Methane emissions from the United States' leading oil and gas-producing regions have decreased by 44 percent since 2011, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
State Bar of New Mexico appoints first Black president
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 12, 2024
The State Bar of New Mexico held its 2025 New Officer Swearing-In Ceremony on December 11, 2024, at the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Governor Lujan Grisham proposes FY26 budget with focus on key investments
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 12, 2024
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has put forward her executive budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2026.
Audit accuses WNMU leadership of misusing taxpayer funds; Hotvedt outlines steps to address spending and policy issues
By New Mexico Sun Reports | Dec 12, 2024
An audit by the New Mexico Office of the State Auditor accuses Western New Mexico University (WNMU) officials of violating policies and misusing taxpayer funds, following earlier reports of lavish spending by WNMU President Joseph Shepard and his associates.
Sen. Woods on HB 207: Schools 'struggling to adjust' with 'gender identity' as protected class
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 11, 2024
New Mexico State Senator Pat Woods has expressed concerns regarding House Bill 207, which mandates that schools accommodate students based on their gender identity.
Behrens decries wasteful spending on behalf of Lujan Grisham and others in state government: ‘Families are still struggling to make ends meet’
By New Mexico Sun Reports | Dec 11, 2024
Larry Behrens, Communications Director for the energy advocacy group Power The Future, is calling out what he sees as wasteful government spending in New Mexico.
Leadership Albuquerque explores economic development at key sites
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 11, 2024
Leadership Albuquerque participants recently engaged in an immersive Economic Development Day, gaining insights into the economic landscape of New Mexico.
Charitable giving offers potential tax benefits at year's end
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 11, 2024
As the year draws to a close, individuals are considering their charitable contributions and tax planning for the upcoming year.
Executive order bans mining and transmission lines on Caja del Rio Plateau
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 11, 2024
New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has issued Executive Order 2024-001, which prohibits mining, the construction of large transmission lines, and major thoroughfares on state lands within the Caja del Rio Plateau.
FOG appoints Christine Barber as new executive director
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 10, 2024
The Foundation for Open Government (FOG) has appointed Christine Barber as its new executive director.
Thornton outlines legislative agenda, seeks input from New Mexicans: 'As a freshman Senator, what else should I attempt?'
By New Mexico Sun Reports | Dec 9, 2024
State Senate member-elect Ant Thornton, Ph.D., a Republican from Sandia Park, has outlined his legislative agenda for the upcoming 2025 session in post on X, emphasizing his commitment to addressing key issues such as border security, human trafficking, illegal foreign national border crossings, voter ID laws and parental rights.
Access to sacred places aids healing for Indigenous communities
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 9, 2024
Traditional knowledge, culture, health, and spirituality are deeply intertwined with Native American sacred places.
Regulatory sandbox proposed as solution for New Mexico's heavy regulatory burden
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 9, 2024
Among the various economic policy areas impacting New Mexico is its regulatory burden, which poses challenges for businesses.
Sen-Elect Block: NM Democrats' opposition to Trump's immigration plans 'will not stand'
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 9, 2024
State Senator-elect Jay Block of New Mexico's District 12 has expressed strong opposition to the Democratic resistance against President-Elect Donald Trump's immigration plans.
SPPI’s Brenner on Albuquerque legal battle: ‘Transparency is not a burden; it is a fundamental responsibility of government’
By New Mexico Sun Reports | Dec 9, 2024
The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) has escalated its legal battle with the City of Albuquerque by issuing a subpoena to CivicPlus/NextRequest, the company that manages the city’s public records database.
Republican Party elects new leadership at biennial convention
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 8, 2024
The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) held its 2024 Biennial Convention at the Civic Center in Truth or Consequences on December 7.
NMRWA announces annual conference details for exhibitors and attendees
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 8, 2024
The New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA) is set to host its 47th Annual Conference at the Isleta Resort & Casino.
Albuquerque Museum lobby named after former Mayor Jim Baca
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 7, 2024
The Albuquerque Museum has named its lobby in honor of former Mayor Jim Baca.
New Mexico remains second largest oil-producing state in US
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 6, 2024
As of 2024, the United States maintains its position as the largest crude oil producer globally, a status it has held since 2018.
New Mexicans overwhelmingly support expanding access to public charter schools
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 6, 2024
Over 80% of New Mexico residents express a desire for more public-school choices, with nearly three in four supporting the development and opening of additional public charter schools.
