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GO Bond 3 to Fund UNM Medical School Expansion, Other Improvements on November 3 Ballot

Ruben Reyes
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GO Bond 3 to Fund UNM Medical School Expansion, Other Improvements on November 3 Ballot

Voters will decide whether or not to approve the General Obligation Bond 3, or GO Bond 3, to fund a $126.1 million medical school building and campus upgrades at the University of New Mexico which are part of a statewide higher education bond package worth over $351 million. 

New Mexico voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve GO Bond 3, part of a statewide higher education bond package exceeding $351 million. The measure includes $126.1 million for the University of New Mexico, primarily a $116 million medical education and research building replacing the aging Fitz Hall, which would allow medical school enrollment to nearly double from 103 to 200 students annually.

The bond also funds upgrades at UNM’s Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia branch campuses, plus $600,000 for the New Mexico Reforestation Center in Mora County. Supporters estimate the projects could support roughly 3,500 jobs and generate significant economic activity across 25 cities without raising taxes.

UNM’s biggest planned project is a $116 million medical education and research building to replace Fitz Hall, which has been in use for over 50 years. The proposal says the current building no longer fits the needs of today’s medical education, research, technology, or the growing number of students.

The new building features larger classrooms, allowing the university to increase medical school admissions from the current 103 students to up to 200 each year. Additionally, the building will have areas for hands-on learning and simulations, research labs, and spaces for group work. 

Branch campuses would get upgrades

The bond would pay for upgrades at UNM’s four branch campuses such as the following: 

  1. UNM-Gallup would get $3 million to renovate the north wing of Calvin Hall, updating classrooms, labs, technology, and group learning spaces. Supporters say these changes would help students in science, health care, and related fields, and meet workforce needs in northwestern New Mexico.
  2. UNM-Los Alamos would get $3 million to create a Student Services and Success Center in a renovated building. This center would offer advising, academic help, career support, and other services.
  3. UNM-Taos would get $2.5 million to renovate Pueblo Hall and upgrade campus facilities.
  4. UNM-Valencia would get $1 million to turn an existing building into a center for automotive technology and welding programs, giving students a dedicated space for these trades.

Moreover, the proposal would give UNM $600,000 to support the New Mexico Reforestation Center, which is located in Mora County in northern New Mexico. It is operated in partnership with New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, UNM, and the state’s Forestry Division.

This year, the center started building its first nursery facilities as it plans to deliver 1 million seedlings for reforestation in fall 2028. The center intends to grow up to 5 million seedlings each year after that, with the goal of helping New Mexico restore forests lost to wildfires.

Projects could create thousands of jobs

GO Bond 3 is also expected to support about 3,500 jobs as the investments would attract businesses and industries that need skilled workers

Additionally, the projects could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity across 25 cities in 22 counties.

GO Bond 3 is part of New Mexico’s plan to pay for public infrastructure with bonds that voters approve. The state has passed higher education bonds in every election since 2012.

The 2026 proposal follows the same method. It will use public money for higher education buildings, job training, and economic development without raising taxes. Voters will decide on the measure in the November 3 general election. 

Pecos River Faces Mounting Water Pressures as Drought and Oilfield Demand Strain Supplies

Ruben Reyes
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Pecos River Faces Mounting Water Pressures as Drought and Oilfield Demand Strain Supplies

The Pecos River has long supported farming, ranching, and communities across southeastern New Mexico, providing water for irrigation, recreation, and the region’s agricultural economy. Today, however, prolonged drought, declining snowpack, and growing oil and gas activity raise concerns about how long the river can continue to meet competing demands.

The Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico supports agriculture, recreation, and interstate water obligations to Texas under a 2003 settlement agreement. Prolonged drought, declining snowpack, and climate change have caused seven consecutive years of missed delivery requirements, accumulating a 65,200 acre-foot shortfall, with officials projecting further supply declines over the next 50 years.

Oil and gas development in the Permian Basin adds pressure through water use and wastewater disposal, raising concerns among farmers about groundwater depletion and contamination. New Mexico has used irrigation water purchases and deep wells to meet obligations, while officials debate treating oilfield wastewater as a potential future supply, though environmental and safety concerns remain unresolved.

The Pecos River begins in the mountains outside Santa Fe and flows south through New Mexico before crossing into Texas. Along the way, it supplies water to agricultural communities, including the Pecos Valley, where farmers depend on irrigation to grow crops such as alfalfa.

For generations, farmers and ranchers have relied on the river and groundwater to sustain their operations. In the Loving area, near Carlsbad, farmer Johnny Reid has built his livelihood around growing alfalfa, which his family delivers to horse breeders in Texas.

The river also serves as a recreational resource. In Carlsbad, the stretch known as Lake Carlsbad provides easy access to boating, fishing, and swimming, while parks and public beaches draw residents and visitors.

Water management has also shaped New Mexico’s relationship with Texas. Following a dispute over water deliveries under the 1948 Pecos River Compact, the states reached the 2003 Pecos Settlement Agreement, which established a framework to help New Mexico meet its obligations to downstream users in Texas.

Under the agreement, a federally appointed water master determines how much water Texas should receive each year based on conditions across the basin.

Despite its importance, the Pecos River faces mounting pressure from several sources, including prolonged drought, reduced snowpack, and the water demands of oil and gas development in the Permian Basin.

Recent winters have brought poor snowpack conditions in the river’s headwaters. These shortages are part of a decades-long drought, worsened by climate change, making it even more difficult for water managers to predict and maintain reliable supplies.

New Mexico has missed its required water deliveries to Texas for seven consecutive years, accumulating a shortfall of 65,200 acre-feet, according to the source report. This amount is equivalent to more than a year and a half of Albuquerque’s annual water use.

The state has so far relied on water accumulated in earlier years of surplus to help cover the deficit. But officials warn that the long-term outlook is becoming more difficult.

“Evidence suggests that available water supplies in New Mexico will decline by 25%-30% in the next 50 years, and this includes the Pecos River,” said Hannah Riseley-White, director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. She added that hotter, drier conditions will increase irrigation needs, potentially pushing demand beyond available supplies.

Oil and gas operations add another layer of pressure. The Permian Basin, one of the nation’s most productive oilfields, surrounds farms and communities near the river. Drilling operations use water, including supplies that could otherwise support agriculture, while wastewater from oil production presents challenges for reuse and disposal.

Reid said he is concerned about the volume of water used in drilling that is subsequently removed from circulation and disposed of rather than returned to other uses.

Haley Jones, an organizer with Citizens Caring for the Future, said water sold to oil and gas companies can mean less water available to replenish groundwater supplies. She noted that some farmers and ranchers sell groundwater to the industry because it can provide more income than agricultural production.

Concerns also extend to water quality. Reid said his household can no longer use its well water for drinking or bathing because of its high salt content. He suspects nearby oilfield wastewater disposal may be responsible, but said he has not been able to afford the scientific investigation needed to establish the cause.

Meanwhile, oil and gas activity has transformed the landscape around his farm. Reid described constant noise from compressors and well equipment, while flaring operations release smoke and pollutants near the river. Although these activities do not all directly explain the river’s reduced flow, they add to concerns about the environmental pressures facing the Pecos Valley.

New Mexico has taken several steps to avoid falling further behind on its water deliveries to Texas.

In years when supplies are insufficient, the state has purchased water rights from the Carlsbad Irrigation District, which includes farms such as Reid’s. That allows the state to divert irrigation water into the Pecos River to help meet its obligations. New Mexico also has access to two deep water wells farther north.

The state used irrigation water to supplement the river in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2015 to avoid approaching a cumulative shortfall. Previous years of excess water have also helped cushion more recent deficits.

Farmers face significant challenges due to these measures, which highlight the tough trade-offs involved in managing a limited resource. Water allocated to meet interstate obligations is critical, but it detracts from the essential irrigation of crops and the support of local agricultural production. 

State officials are also exploring whether treated oilfield wastewater could become an additional source of supply. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed treating the wastewater for potential uses ranging from energy production to agricultural irrigation.

The idea remains controversial. Environmental groups argue that uncertainties about treatment methods and the chemicals used in oil and gas production make it difficult to guarantee the water is safe for crops, livestock, and communities. Industry advocates, meanwhile, contend that treatment and reuse could help address future shortages.

The state Water Quality Control Commission is awaiting an initial hearing on a petition seeking changes to rules governing the use of treated oilfield wastewater. Previous attempts to change the rules have not resulted in approval.

In Carlsbad, officials also manage the river through reservoirs and diversions. The city can temporarily lower water levels to remove trash and allow maintenance work on boat docks. Water released from Avalon Dam travels beneath a dry riverbed before resurfacing downstream, sustaining the river through town.

These measures help manage the remaining water, but they do not resolve the larger challenges posed by drought, climate change, and competing demands.

For farmers like Reid, the Pecos has continually provided enough water in recent years to sustain productive harvests. He credits the region’s water management system with helping farms remain viable while New Mexico meets its obligations to Texas.

Still, the future is uncertain. As water supplies decline and demand grows, the state faces increasingly difficult decisions about how to divide a resource that supports agriculture, communities, industry, and ecosystems across the region.

The Pecos continues to flow, but keeping it that way will depend on how effectively New Mexico manages its dwindling water supplies in the years ahead.

Albuquerque Forecast to Dip to 35 Degrees This Weekend

Juan Oliveros
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Albuquerque Forecast to Dip to 35 Degrees This Weekend

The National Weather Service says Albuquerque will see its first temperatures below 40 degrees since spring this weekend.

Albuquerque is expected to experience its first sub-40-degree temperatures since spring this weekend, as cooler air and clear skies move into central New Mexico. The National Weather Service forecasts overnight lows near 35 degrees Friday into Saturday, with daytime highs around 65-66 degrees on both days.

Temperatures are expected to moderate after Saturday, with Sunday reaching a high near 69 degrees amid mixed cloudy and sunny conditions. The Weather Service advises residents to wear warm layers, protect sensitive plants, and safeguard outdoor plumbing, particularly in higher-elevation areas, as the region transitions toward typical fall weather.

Cooler air moving into central New Mexico, combined with clear skies, will allow temperatures to drop Friday night into Saturday morning. Daytime highs should reach about 65 degrees Friday and 66 degrees Saturday.

The Weather Service forecasts sunny conditions Friday with light easterly winds. In the evening, with mostly clear sky, the temperature will drop to around 35 degrees and a southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph. 

Saturday is also expected to be sunny, with a high near 66 degrees and a northeast wind nearly 5 mph. 

The drop in overnight temperatures marks a shift from the milder weather of recent weeks. Residents should prepare for colder mornings, especially in outlying areas and higher elevations near Albuquerque.

Temperatures will be milder after Saturday. 

Forecasters say Sunday will be mostly cloudy, then it will shift to becoming sunny with temperature high near 69 degrees. But it settles in the evening to partly cloudy with temperature low around 47 degrees.

The change signals a gradual shift toward more typical fall weather in central New Mexico.

In its advisory, the Weather Service urges people to take precautions during the cold spell. 

Residents are advised to wear warm layers during early morning outings, and protect sensitive plants by bringing them indoors or covering them. They should also protect exposed outdoor plumbing. In surrounding communities and higher elevations, people should be especially mindful of colder temperatures. 

Meta Pushes Back Against New Mexico’s Proposed $40 Billion Fine Over Facebook Violations

Juan Oliveros
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Meta Pushes Back Against New Mexico’s Proposed $40 Billion Fine Over Facebook Violations

Meta has asked a New Mexico court to impose a lighter penalty than the $35 billion to $40 billion sought by the state over alleged breaches of consumer-protection laws by Facebook.

Meta has asked a New Mexico court to significantly reduce the $35 billion to $40 billion penalty sought by the state over a jury’s finding that Facebook misled users about privacy practices and content policies. Meta argues the proposed fine would violate excessive-fines protections under state and federal constitutions, proposing instead a penalty between $154 million and $1.54 billion.

The dispute stems from a trial centered on the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where the jury found 26 misleading statements resulted in over 43 million violations of New Mexico consumer-protection law, which allows fines up to $5,000 per violation. The state argues a substantial penalty is necessary to meaningfully affect Meta, while the company contends such an amount would be disproportionate and harm businesses. Judge Francis Mathew has not yet issued a final ruling.

In court filings, Meta urged Santa Fe County Judge Francis Mathew to reduce the penalty, arguing that the state’s proposed fine would violate excessive-fines protections under both the U.S. and New Mexico constitutions.

“Such a massive penalty would cause legitimate businesses to flee New Mexico in droves and would run roughshod over a host of constitutional protections,” Meta argued.

Meta proposed a penalty ranging from $154 million to $1.54 billion, while acknowledging that even a fine in that range could raise constitutional concerns.

The dispute centers on how much Meta should pay after a jury found that the company misled users about Facebook’s privacy practices and content policies. Under New Mexico’s consumer-protection law, those violations could expose the company to penalties reaching tens of billions of dollars.

What New Mexico wants

New Mexico’s Department of Justice argues that a substantial penalty is warranted given the number and severity of the violations identified at trial.

At a hearing this month, state attorney Randi McGinn asked Judge Mathew to impose a penalty large enough to have a meaningful effect on the company.

“This court should speak to Meta in the only language it understands, which is money and the value of its stock price,” McGinn said. 

The state’s proposed penalty is based on the jury’s finding that Meta made 26 misleading statements that, taken together, amounted to more than 43 million violations of New Mexico’s consumer-protection law.

The law allows fines of up to $5,000 for each violation, creating potentially enormous liability when a company’s conduct affects millions of people.

Meta argues that applying the maximum penalty to each violation would produce a punishment disproportionate to the jury’s findings.

The Cambridge Analytica scandal

The trial largely centered on the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which revealed how a now-defunct political consultancy collected personal information from millions of Facebook users.

In 2014, Aleksandr Kogan gathered data through a personality-quiz app called thisisyourdigitallife. Although about 270,000 Facebook users downloaded the app, the data collection ultimately extended to at least 87 million users through their friends. The incident became a defining example of concerns over Facebook’s handling of personal data and whether users understood how their information could be shared.

One statement the jury found misleading came from Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, who said in 2010 that users had control over their own information.

Zuckerberg said, “You have control over how your information is shared and that we do not pass on your personal information to anyone or any service that you do not want.”

The jury calculated that the statement caused 2.1 million violations of New Mexico law, based on the state’s estimated 2.1 million consumers.

The findings also included statements about Facebook’s content policies, such as the company’s assertion that it does not permit hate speech.

Together, the jury’s findings produced a large number of alleged violations under state law, setting up the current dispute over financial penalties.

Constitutional limits

Meta’s argument raises a central question: whether the sheer number of violations is enough to justify a penalty of tens of billions of dollars. The company says the state’s approach would produce a punishment far out of proportion to what was established at trial and could have broader consequences for businesses in New Mexico.

The state, by contrast, argues that the penalty should reflect the scale of the jury’s verdict and give real force to consumer-protection law.

Judge Mathew must decide whether the final penalty should be close to the amount the state requested or reduce it.

In the meantime, the $35 billion to $40 billion figure remains only the state’s request; the court has not ordered a final penalty.

How Fraudsters Use AI Technology to Make Schemes More Convincing and Hard to Detect

Juan Oliveros
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How Fraudsters Use AI Technology to Make Schemes More Convincing and Hard to Detect

This week, the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office warned that fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to make ordinary phone scams more convincing and harder for victims to detect.

The New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office warned that scammers are using artificial intelligence, including voice cloning and caller-ID spoofing, to make bank-impersonation scams more convincing. Fraudulent call centers mimic bank employees, fake phone menus, and use fabricated reference numbers to pressure victims into revealing login credentials or granting account access.

Officials urged the public not to share sensitive information with unverified callers and to contact banks only through verified numbers. Even calls displaying legitimate bank numbers or realistic voices may be fraudulent. Resources for reporting scams are available through the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

Scammers are using AI voice cloning, caller-ID spoofing, and realistic automated systems to make fraudulent calls, texts, and emails appear to come from legitimate banks. These tactics may include familiar-sounding voices, official-looking phone numbers, and fabricated case details, making it easier for scammers to steal online banking credentials and carry out unauthorized transactions.

Local and national banks have recently alerted the Treasurer’s Office to fraudulent call-center operations that impersonate bank employees. Common AI-enhanced tactics include:

  1. Faking caller ID so the call appears to come from a bank’s official toll-free number, including 888 numbers, or from a local number, while using AI to imitate the voices of real bank employees.
  2. Creating phone menus that sound authentic and closely mimic real customer-support systems.
  3. Using fabricated reference or ticket numbers, such as “TR#,” in calls or voicemails to create urgency and false credibility.
  4. Calling or texting customers about supposed suspicious activity or account issues, then pressuring them to provide login details, one-time passcodes, or remote account access.

These methods allow scammers to bypass many of the warning signs that once made robocalls or poorly written phishing attempts easier to identify. Spanish-language reports about the same alert noted that AI-cloned voices and polished automated systems can be especially effective during periods of high transaction volume, such as the holiday shopping season.

Financial institutions and the Treasurer’s Office are urging the public to remain vigilant. Key protections include:

  1. Do not provide sensitive information to an unverified caller, including personal details, login passwords, one-time passcodes, or account access. Legitimate banks do not typically contact customers unexpectedly to request this information.
  2. If a call seems suspicious, hang up immediately.
  3. Contact the bank directly using a verified phone number from the back of your card or the bank’s official website. Do not use any number provided during the suspicious call.
  4. Report suspicious communications to your bank as soon as possible.

Additional information on preventing scams and avoiding identity theft is available from the New Mexico Department of Justice. The Federal Trade Commission also accepts reports of suspected fraud.

Officials emphasized that a call can display an official bank number or feature a realistic-sounding voice and still be fraudulent. As AI tools become more widely available, these impersonation scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to spot.

Where to Join: APS Releases Community Meeting Schedule for School Right-Sizing

Gregg Morgan
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Where to Join: APS Releases Community Meeting Schedule for School Right-Sizing

Are you interested in sharing your thoughts on Albuquerque Public Schools’ right-sizing efforts? The district will hold a series of community meetings from October through January to hear public feedback on how schools can best meet students’ needs.

Albuquerque Public Schools is holding community meetings from October 2026 through January 2027 to gather public feedback on right-sizing efforts amid declining enrollment. The district’s enrollment fell from 84,000 students in 2018 to under 64,000 last year, leaving many schools operating well below capacity. Sessions will be held at various high schools across the district.

APS has not decided on school closures, consolidations, or boundary changes, but seeks input from families, students, employees, and community members on priorities for facilities, academic programs, and resource allocation. Low enrollment reportedly strains finances, with $50,000 spent daily on utilities, and limits access to specialists and extracurricular activities. Staff will brief the board in early 2027 on feedback before drafting proposals.

APS said enrollment has declined over the years, leaving several schools and facilities operating well below capacity. APS is asking families, students, district employees, and community members to be part of the planning for the future. The district wants your input on priorities for school decisions, academic programs, and resource allocation. 

Here’s the list of upcoming public listening sessions, starting with the first meeting next Monday evening:

  • Cibola High School, cafeteria, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Del Norte High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Eldorado High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Highland High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Berna Facio Professional Development Center – Meeting for those who speak Arabic, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and Vietnamese (6 p.m.) and Spanish (6:30 p.m.), Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
  • Manzano High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Rio Grande High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Valley High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Albuquerque High School, theater, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, 6 p.m.
  • Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027, 6 p.m.
  • Sandia High School, cafeteria, Monday, Jan. 11, 2027, 6 p.m.
  • Volcano Vista High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027, 6 p.m.
  • West Mesa High School, library, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, 6 p.m.
  • La Cueva High School, PAC, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 6 p.m.

Why is APS Considering Right-Sizing? 

In September, the APS Board of Education approved a resolution to launch a districtwide public engagement process on facility and enrollment planning. The initiative will open conversations on how to address the concern, which may directly affect your child. 

APS said it has not made any decisions about school closures, consolidations, or boundary changes. However, the measure calls for a series of community meetings this fall. These discussions will let you share your input before the district develops formal recommendations. 

APS said the effort comes as enrollment has declined. The district had 84,000 students in 2018, compared with under 64,000 at the end of last school year. The figures represent a loss of around 20,000 students.

The drop stems from lower birth rates in Bernalillo County and families with school-age children moving out of state, according to APS. As enrollment falls, many schools have empty or underused spaces. 

How Declining Enrollment Affects Students

The drop in enrollment can affect your child’s day-to-day school experience. APS said roughly one in six schools operates at less than half of its intended capacity. This makes it harder for the district to offer comprehensive programming and create a vibrant school environment. 

APS added that underused facilities reportedly strain finances and operations, with the district spending about $50,000 daily on utilities alone. 

The district also said when schools have very few students, they often struggle to provide full-time specialists. Counselors, librarians, nurses, and art or music teachers may have to split their time across several campuses. 

Very low enrollment can likewise limit your child’s access to extracurricular activities, elective classes, and chances to learn from different teachers. As a result, students may have fewer opportunities for academic support and enrichment.

The district will review community feedback collected this fall during the winter. District staff expect to brief the board in early 2027 on community priorities and possible next steps before drafting specific proposals.

Conservation Groups Protest BLM Plan That Could Allow 12,000 New Oil Wells in SE New Mexico

Ruben Reyes
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Conservation Groups Protest BLM Plan That Could Allow 12,000 New Oil Wells in SE New Mexico

Conservation groups take a stand against a federal land management plan that could pave the way for more than 12,000 new oil and gas wells in southeastern New Mexico. They argue the proposal ignores the ongoing impacts of drilling, pollution, and the threats they pose to water supplies and public health. 

Several conservation groups, including the Western Environmental Law Center, Center for Biological Diversity, and WildEarth Guardians, filed a formal protest against the BLM’s proposed Carlsbad Resource Management Plan. The plan would keep nearly 97% of federal mineral estate open for leasing, potentially allowing 12,096 new oil and gas wells across more than 2 million acres in southeastern New Mexico over the next two decades.

The groups argue the plan fails to address cumulative impacts on groundwater, water availability, public health, air quality, and climate, citing concerns about contamination, toxic waste, emissions, and weakened protections near homes. They are demanding the BLM withdraw the proposal, prepare a supplemental environmental review, and expand public and Tribal consultation before finalizing decisions.

On Tuesday, several organizations, including the Western Environmental Law Center, the Center for Biological Diversity, Citizens Caring for the Future, Earthworks, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, and WildEarth Guardians, filed a formal protest against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed Carlsbad Resource Management Plan. 

The groups urged the agency to withdraw the proposal, update its environmental review, and reopen public comments, including consultation with Tribal communities. 

The proposed plan would keep nearly 97% of the federal mineral estate available for oil and gas leasing, potentially allowing for the drilling of 12,096 new federal wells over the next two decades. This extensive planning area covers over 2 million acres of federal surface land and 2.76 million acres of federal mineral estate, including desert ecosystems, groundwater and cave systems, wildlife habitats, and public lands adjacent to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The BLM began revising its 1988 management plan back in 2010, and last sought public input on a draft environmental impact statement in 2018. However, conservation groups believe the agency has not kept pace with the changes in oil and gas development or effectively considered new evidence about its environmental and health impacts. 

Concerns raised included potential groundwater contamination, increased water demand, toxic oilfield waste, air pollution, earthquakes related to wastewater injection, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. The groups also argue that the proposed plan weakens protections for local communities and sensitive natural areas, claiming that some firm restrictions have been replaced with more ambiguous language. 

For instance, a standard that prohibited surface disturbances within a quarter-mile of occupied buildings has been altered to allow disturbances “up to” that distance, which could lead to drilling activities being closer to homes. 

Rebecca Sobel, the climate and health program director at WildEarth Guardians, warned that continued oil and gas expansion in the Permian Basin—a major oil-producing region—could worsen environmental and public health concerns. She emphasized that the plan could lock in billions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and heighten the risks of spills, water shortages, and air pollution. 

A recent report from WildEarth Guardians, titled “Drilling Past Disaster,” estimates that the projected oil and gas activity could require 375 billion gallons of water and generate 1.26 trillion gallons of contaminated waste over the coming decades. The organization said these figures are based on BLM projections.

The groups highlighted existing pollution issues in New Mexico, noting that oil and gas operators reported over 17,000 spills statewide in the first half of 2026. Furthermore, air quality monitors in southeastern New Mexico recorded violations of federal ozone health standards across several days. 

The conservation organizations argue that the BLM’s environmental review fails to adequately assess the cumulative impacts of current and future drilling on groundwater, water availability, public health, air quality, and the climate. Taylor McKinnon, the Southwest Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, pointed the plan leaves only a small portion of the federal mineral estate off-limits to the fossil fuel industry. 

As of now, the BLM has not commented on the allegations made by the groups. The conservationists are calling for the agency to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement, consider alternatives that would significantly limit new oil and gas leasing, and enhance opportunities for public and Tribal input before finalizing any decisions.

The protest is one of many challenges facing the proposed management plan as southeastern New Mexico grapples with the complex balance between oil and gas development, water resource management, pollution prevention, and the preservation of public lands.

Data Center Boom in Texas and New Mexico Sparks Climate Concerns

Ruben Reyes
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Data Center Boom in Texas and New Mexico Sparks Climate Concerns

New Mexico and Texas are pursuing ambitious climate goals while also backing a wave of data center construction that could increase greenhouse gas emissions, strain water and electricity supplies, and undermine public health protections.

Major data center projects in southern New Mexico and West Texas, including developments by Oracle and Meta Platforms, are raising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, and electricity demand. These facilities could undermine climate goals recently announced by New Mexico and El Paso officials, with experts warning of significant local health and environmental impacts from increased energy consumption and pollution.

The situation highlights regulatory gaps, as differing climate policies between Texas and New Mexico mean emissions from Texas-based projects can affect New Mexico communities without matching oversight. Despite these concerns, both states have offered tax incentives to attract the developments, citing economic benefits, raising questions about whether growth will outweigh long-term environmental and infrastructure costs.

Those competing priorities are especially visible along the Texas-New Mexico border, where three major data center projects are planned or under construction amid surging demand for artificial intelligence services.

Last December, New Mexico officials announced a plan to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Also around the same time, leaders in El Paso, Texas, unveiled their own climate strategy. 

But the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers threatens to complicate those efforts.

In Doña Ana County, just south of the border, Oracle is developing Project Jupiter, one of the country’s largest data center projects. About 20 miles away in El Paso, Meta Platforms is building another major facility, while a third data center is being considered at Fort Bliss Army post, near the Meta development.

These projects could generate millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year once fully operational, according to estimates cited in the source material. Their combined emissions have been compared with those produced by more than 2 million cars annually.

New Mexico state climatologist Dave DuBois warned that the developments could offset progress made by communities working to reduce their environmental impact. “These projects are going to undo a lot of the very expensive and very meaningful work that many people are trying to accomplish,” DuBois said.

AI demand raises environmental stakes

The projects reflect a broader national trend as technology companies race to expand computing capacity for artificial intelligence, cloud storage, and other digital services.

Texas has 596 data centers operating or in development, according to figures provided in the source material. The expansion has raised concerns about electricity demand, utility bills, water availability, and air quality.

Data centers require substantial electricity to operate servers and cooling systems. Depending on how that electricity is generated, their power consumption can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Backup generators and other on-site equipment can also release air pollutants.

Although projected emissions from the Meta and Project Jupiter facilities may be relatively low in some individual pollution categories, experts caution that even modest increases can affect communities near industrial sites. “The health impacts can be significant for local communities,” said Shaolei Ren, a professor at the University of California, Riverside.

The concerns extend beyond climate change. Increased electricity demand could put pressure on regional power systems, while water used for cooling could compete with other needs in an arid region already vulnerable to drought and extreme heat.

Those pressures are especially significant in southern New Mexico and far West Texas, where communities must balance economic development against limited natural resources.

State lines complicate climate action

The developments also highlight a regulatory challenge: air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions do not stop at state borders, but environmental policies can differ significantly from one state to another.

New Mexico has adopted legally binding greenhouse gas reduction targets, while Texas has not established equivalent statewide requirements. As a result, projects located in Texas can affect neighboring New Mexico communities without being subject to the same climate policies.

Ari Peskoe, director of the Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School, said the lack of a comprehensive federal climate law has left much of the responsibility to states and local governments. “We’ve never had a national climate law passed by Congress. So, we’re left with state and local efforts that don’t always coordinate,” Peskoe said.

The gap has frustrated New Mexico lawmakers whose constituents live near large developments across the border.

Rep. Sarah Silva, a Democrat from Chaparral, New Mexico, said her state has little authority over projects being built just minutes away in Texas, even when their environmental effects could reach her constituents. “Emissions do not remain within the state where they originate,” Silva said.

The cross-border developments illustrate how one state’s economic and energy decisions can complicate another state’s efforts to meet its climate goals.

Tax incentives fuel data center expansion

Despite environmental concerns, local governments in both states have supported the projects, citing the potential for investment, creation, and economic growth.

Doña Ana County and local authorities in the El Paso area have offered tax incentives to attract the developments. They hope the region could become a growing technology hub.

Texas has also provided substantial financial incentives to the industry, including a sales tax exemption for qualifying data centers. The exemption could cost the state an estimated $3.2 billion over the next two years, according to figures cited in the source material.

In New Mexico, lawmakers rejected a similar proposal for data centers in 2021. However, the state approved separate legislation in 2025 that allows large facilities to receive comparable tax benefits under certain conditions.

The incentives reflect competition among states and local governments to attract major technology investments. But they also raise questions about whether the anticipated economic benefits will outweigh the long-term costs associated with increased energy use, emissions, and pressure on public infrastructure.

Balancing economic growth and climate goals

The data center boom presents a difficult policy choice for New Mexico and Texas. The facilities can attract investment and support jobs, but their energy demands may make climate targets harder to achieve, particularly when electricity comes from fossil fuels.

The challenge is compounded by the region’s limited water resources and the potential for pollution to affect communities on both sides of the border.

Addressing those risks will require decisions about electricity generation, water use, emissions controls, and transparency in data center development plans. Greater coordination between state and local governments could also help officials account for environmental effects that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Ultimately, as construction advances, the region faces a central question of whether it can capitalize on the economic promise of artificial intelligence without sacrificing the climate commitments its leaders have made.

Environmental Groups Warn Heinrich Permitting Bill Threatens New Mexico Environmental Safeguards

Ruben Reyes
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Environmental Groups Warn Heinrich Permitting Bill Threatens New Mexico Environmental Safeguards

Environmental advocacy groups are criticizing U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich for co-sponsoring a bipartisan permitting reform bill that they say undermines his long record as a champion of renewable energy and environmental protection and could harm people and places across New Mexico.

Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center, said the groups feel “betrayed” by the New Mexico Democrat. As a co-sponsor of the 417-page Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, Schlenker-Goodrich argued, Heinrich “can’t honestly describe the negative impacts of the bill” while promoting it on a tour “hyping” the legislation.

“We feel betrayed by Sen. Heinrich on this bill,” Schlenker-Goodrich said in a statement. “We think he has effectively boxed himself into silence about what the harms of this permitting deal are to New Mexico and the people and places we love in this state.”

Local and national environmental organizations have accused Heinrich of trading away hard-won safeguards in a compromise with Republicans. They contend that by accelerating federal reviews and imposing tighter deadlines on legal challenges, the legislation risks weakening oversight of energy projects that could affect air, water, wildlife and communities.

Schlenker-Goodrich also said he is “perplexed” that Heinrich announced the measure just weeks before the midterm elections, when Democrats are projected to gain seats and could potentially shift the balance of power in Congress. Critics argue that waiting could have produced a bill with stronger environmental protections.

Heinrich rejected the criticism during back-to-back meetings Monday in Albuquerque with labor leaders, manufacturers and renewable energy companies. He called claims that the bill weakens environmental protections “unfounded and misguided,” saying it requires federal agencies to review projects more quickly without guaranteeing approval.

“We’re going to get to ‘yes’ faster. We’re also going to get to ‘no’ faster when a project is harmful,” Heinrich said. “And we’re going to be able to solve the climate crisis. It shouldn’t take 18 years to build a project that actually has value cleaning up the grid.”

He described the legislation, negotiated over months with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Mike Lee, R-Utah, and other Republican leaders, as a “very fine balancing act.”

“It was not easy,” Heinrich said before a roundtable with renewable energy executives. “It took longer than we would like, but everyone was committed to getting there. And I think we’ve come up with a really defensible product that, if we can get it passed, I think will age very well over time.”

The bill seeks to shorten the time energy projects — including solar arrays, wind farms and transmission lines — spend awaiting federal permits. It also sets additional deadlines for parties that challenge approved projects in court.

Industry representatives at the Albuquerque meetings voiced strong support.

Jeremy Turner, senior director of New Mexico development and strategy for Pattern Energy Group, said permitting delays meant the company’s 500 miles of transmission lines for its wind farms took more than a decade to complete. The company’s New Mexico turbines already generate more than 1,400 megawatts across 800,000 acres, and it has leased another 1 million acres that could produce up to 5,000 megawatts if approvals move faster.

“A reasonable timeframe for review by the federal agencies, and then also a timeframe for when people can actually challenge that decision, is absolutely imperative,” Turner said. “Without those, we’re going to continue to stay stagnant.”

The measure has drawn praise from labor unions, the American Petroleum Institute, the American Clean Power Association and groups that promote bipartisan policy. Heinrich, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced the bill Oct. 1 with three co-sponsors. He does not agree that waiting for a potentially more Democratic-friendly Congress in January would have produced a better bill or improved its chances of passage.

“In the next Congress, we’re still going to have the same White House; we’re still going to have the same need to build a bipartisan coalition, and frankly, we probably won’t have the same chairs and ranking members,” he said. “And some of the secret sauce in this was just the fact that we had four people who were genuinely committed to a balanced package that both sides could support.”

Weather Service Warns of Gusty Blasts After Sunny Thursday, Issues High Wind Watch

Juan Oliveros
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Weather Service Warns of Gusty Blasts After Sunny Thursday, Issues High Wind Watch

Residents across New Mexico can expect mostly sunny to clear skies and dry weather on Thursday. Temperatures will be mild for October, with cooler conditions in northern areas and at higher elevations and warmer weather across the southern part of the state. Little to no precipitation is expected.

New Mexico will experience mostly sunny to clear skies and dry conditions on Thursday, with mild October temperatures varying by region. Albuquerque will see highs of 68-73°F, while northern and mountainous areas remain cooler. Southern cities like Las Cruces and Carlsbad will be warmer, reaching the high 70s to low 80s.

Winds from the north and northeast will become breezy statewide, particularly in the evening and overnight. A High Wind Watch is in effect from October 15, 6 PM MDT through October 16, 12 PM MDT. Residents are advised to prepare for colder, windier conditions despite favorable daytime weather, and to monitor local forecasts for updates.

In the Albuquerque metropolitan area, including Rio Rancho, skies will be sunny, with highs near 68 to 73°F and overnight lows around 42 to 46°F. Winds are expected to come from the north and northeast at 15 to 17 mph during the day, becoming breezy at night.

Conditions in northern New Mexico, including the Santa Fe region and higher mountain areas, will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s and lows near 40°F or lower at higher elevations. In the northwest near Farmington, partly cloudy conditions are expected, with a high near 63°F and a low around 38°F.

Southern New Mexico is expected to be warmer. Las Cruces will reach about 76°F under clear skies, with temperatures dropping to around 52°F overnight. Carlsbad, in the southeast, will see mostly sunny conditions, a high near 81°F, and a low around 52°F. 

Communities in the eastern plains can also expect sunny to mostly clear weather, with highs generally ranging from the upper 60s to the low 70s.

Across the state, winds are expected to come from the north and northeast. In many areas, breezy conditions will develop later in the day and continue overnight. A High Wind Watch for parts of the state is in effect from October 15, 6 PM MDT until October 16, 12 PM MDT. .

Thursday should be a good day to spend time outdoors. However, cooler temperatures and increasing winds may make the evening feel colder, particularly at higher elevations. 

Residents should check the latest updates from the local National Weather Service for the most accurate forecasts. Conditions can vary significantly by location and elevation across New Mexico.

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