Latest News
NM Environment Department plans PFAS voluntary testing in clovis and cannon AFB
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 11, 2024
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has declared its intention to offer residents of Clovis, living near Cannon Air Force Base, as well as base personnel, the opportunity for free blood testing for specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, and certain firefighting materials.
NM Environment Department unveils interactive uranium mine dashboard
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 11, 2024
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has announced the introduction of an interactive dashboard by its Office of Strategic Initiatives. The new tool simplifies research on uranium impacts and facilitates access to relevant government agencies. The dashboard, developed in collaboration with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), is a response to recent legislation aimed at enhancing transparency on the reclamation status of former uranium mine and mill sites.
Bernalillo County receives $640,000 homeland security grant
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 10, 2024
Bernalillo County has been named the recipient of a $640,000 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program. This competitive award is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and overseen by the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The funds will be utilized to bolster professional development training and aid in the maintenance and procurement of vital emergency response equipment.
State Rep. Rehm files anti-crime bills: ‘Crime has been a major topic of frustration for many New Mexicans’
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 10, 2024
State Rep. Bill Rehm (R-N.M.) has initiated several bills aiming to curb crime in New Mexico. Rehm, a retired captain from the Bernalillo County sheriff's office, believes these bills would be advantageous for New Mexican citizens if enacted. Consequently, he penned a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), seeking her support.
Sandia's achieves fiscal year 2023 economic impact of almost $4.8 billion
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 8, 2024
Sandia National Laboratories has reported a fiscal year 2023 economic impact totaling nearly $4.8 billion, marking an increase of $559 million from the previous year.
New Mexico Arts announces 2024 Arts & Military Mini Grant recipients
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 3, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has revealed that New Mexico Arts, the state's arts agency, is the driving force behind the 2024 Arts and the Military Mini Grant program. The initiative will see $2,500 mini grants allocated to benefit military and veteran audiences.
NM Human Services Department welcomes new deputy secretaries
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 3, 2024
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has announced new leadership appointments. Kathy Slater-Huff and Kyra Ochoa have been named as deputy secretaries.
NMED releases Dec 2023 Enforcement Watch updates
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 3, 2024
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recently disclosed updates for December 2023 on the Enforcement Watch. The report revealed that within this period, 99 new entries were added to the active matters listing, while seven matters were moved to the resolved matters listing.
DOH acknowledges Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January
By New Mexico Sun | Jan 3, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has declared January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight the significance of screenings in combating this disease. The DOH's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection (BCC) Program offers cervical cancer screening for individuals aged between 21 and 65 years.
NM Film Office reveals robust economic impact of film production tax credit
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 28, 2023
The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) has published an updated economic impact study, emphasizing the significant economic return on investment (ROI) produced by the New Mexico Film Production Tax Credit. The research, which covers fiscal years 2020 to 2023, indicates an average economic ROI of 7.77 for the state.
Bernalillo County Youth Services Center prioritizes safety in operational management
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 28, 2023
Bernalillo County has announced that the Youth Service Center (YSC) is effectively managed and dedicated to maintaining necessary staffing levels. The YSC in Bernalillo County provides services to youth aged 12 to 18 who are awaiting court proceedings for alleged delinquent acts, offering housing and related services.
Grant awarded to Bernalillo County for South Valley Park enhancements
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 28, 2023
Bernalillo County has announced that it has been granted $410,000 by the State of New Mexico to advance enhancements to the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park. This initiative is a crucial part of the ongoing South Valley Main Street Program. The project, which supports a community-driven approach to corporate participation, aims to encourage economic growth and improve infrastructure, thereby strengthening the local community.
Environment Department proposes water reuse rule to WQCC
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 28, 2023
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has formally presented a petition to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC), requesting a review of the proposed rule 20.6.8 NMAC Ground and Surface Water Protection – Supplemental Requirements for Water Reuse. The WQCC is expected to schedule a hearing for the proposed rule, where testimonies from Department staff and interested parties will be heard, marking an important stage in the regulatory process.
Environment Department grants $750,000+ to boost recycling and combat illegal dumping
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 28, 2023
The New Mexico Environment Department has recently disclosed the allocation of $751,489 from the Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) grants for fiscal year 2024. The funds are set to be distributed among various communities, with the primary objective being to bolster trash removal efforts, curb illegal dumping, and initiate recycling programs. The beneficiaries will include communities, counties, solid waste authorities, and pueblos across the state, with many rural areas expected to reap significant benefits.
MIAC reveals winners of the 2024 Living Treasure and Legacy Award
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 27, 2023
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has announced that the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) has disclosed the recipients for the 2024 Living Treasure and Legacy Awards. These awards, integral to the annual MIAC Native Treasures Art Market, recognize the exceptional artistic contributions of Native American artists in the realm of Indigenous arts and culture.
HSD allocates $9 million for low-income families' utility assistance
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 27, 2023
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has announced that it has secured an additional $9.2 million in funding from the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). The program is designed to assist low-income families with their home energy expenses.
New Mexico grants $1M for outdoor equity in 12 counties, 5 tribes
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 27, 2023
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has disclosed that the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is set to disburse $1 million in new Outdoor Equity Fund grants. The second round of distribution will benefit 30 organizations, school districts, and local governments across 12 counties and five Tribal communities, with a total of $1,052,347 being awarded.
Society of Women Engineers honors Sandia employees
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
Sandia National Laboratories recently announced that several of its women engineers have been recognized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). The SWE's awards program acknowledges outstanding achievements in engineering, engineering technology, or science related to engineering among individuals who identify as women and allies.
Albuquerque West Side community lands National Register of Historic Places distinction
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has revealed that the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) has added a community on Albuquerque's West Side to the National Register of Historic Places. The community, known as La Luz del Oeste, is recognized for its historical significance and planning inspired by the New Town movement.
Bernalillo County secures $256,962 grant for Valle de Oro Urban Wildlife Refuge access
By New Mexico Sun | Dec 22, 2023
Bernalillo County has received a grant of $256,962 from the state's Outdoor Recreation Division to enhance access to the Valle de Oro Urban Wildlife Refuge. The funding is part of the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative, specifically earmarked for "shovel-ready" conservation projects across the state.