Home Blog Page 49

Gallup Faces High-Stakes Decision on Turning Wastewater Into Fuel for Massive Data Center

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Gallup Faces High-Stakes Decision on Turning Wastewater Into Fuel for Massive Data Center

Across Gallup’s western high desert, the struggle with limited water has shaped community life and decision‑making. Now, city officials are weighing an unusual proposition: whether they will allow treated wastewater — considered a municipal byproduct — to power a massive data center campus.

The Gallup City Council delayed its decision on the proposal Tuesday night after a 4-1 vote. Under the proposal, the city would allow Teraplex Data Centers LLC to buy about 110 million gallons of treated wastewater annually to power the 330-acre development in the Gallup Tradeport. On the line is not only a large-scale industrial undertaking, but the redefinition of wastewater itself as a marketable asset in an increasingly data-driven economy.

Shift from wastewater to currency

The proposal, if approved, signals a shift across the American Southwest. That wastewater is no longer waste. It is becoming infrastructure — and a currency.

According to the BioSpectrum Asia report, Teraplex co-founder Greg Thompson told council members the wastewater would help cool a sprawling data center complex, which will eventually host tenants such as Oracle Corporation, Meta Platforms, Amazon, or Microsoft. He said the facility could create 300 jobs while generating its own electricity through solar power and natural gas.

But residents, environmental advocates, and even some council members did not ask about jobs or technology. They asked about water — and whether Gallup can afford to convert its wastewater into a marketable asset at a moment when its broader water future remains uncertain.

The city currently produces some 2.3 million gallons of wastewater per day. If the city council gives the green light to the proposal, Gallup will divert a substantial volume of that output to serve a single private industrial user.

To supporters, the setup represents an emerging model of resource efficiency by harnessing runoff water that would otherwise be discharged and putting it to economic use. Their argument is simple: In a region where freshwater supplies are scarce, wastewater reuse may offer a unique opportunity to reconcile development with scarcity.

‘Deal-changer’?

Mayor Marc DePauli, who opposed the majority of the council, described the proposal as a pragmatic response to a structural constraint. “I was always skeptical and still kind of am about data centers,” he said during the meeting. “But bringing us the option of using our wastewater, it’s kind of a deal-changer.”

Interviews and public testimony, however, suggest that the same concept being promoted as an innovation — the monetization of wastewater — also triggers skepticism. Fueling the skepticism is a question public hearings rarely resolve: the ownership of reclaimed water after treatment and its role in industrial commitments.

“Gallup has an unclear future concerning water rights,” said Larry Winn, the former chairman of the local water board. He warned council members that the agreement could force the city to take on obligations before resolving the broader regional water disputes. The former water board executive described data centers as part of a growing national pattern of resource-intensive development that often outpaces local capacity to regulate it.

The Gallup proposal is unraveling alongside a wider regional controversy over large-scale data infrastructure.

Brant reported that in southern New Mexico, the Project Jupiter — linked to Oracle Corporation and OpenAI — has drawn public attention over its energy and emissions footprint. Data centers, especially those driving AI and cloud computing, consume enormous amounts of electricity and water.

Councilor Sierra Yazzie Asamoa-Tutu reminded fellow council members of a legal filing from the New Mexico Environmental Law Center over Project Jupiter. She urged colleagues to slow down before Gallup follows a similar trajectory to that of Doña Ana County officials.

While the council has chosen delay over approval, Gallup stands at the crossroads: either to dismiss wastewater as mere discharge or harness it as the next AI resource.

New Mexico Escalates Pressure on U.S. Department of Energy in the Nuclear Waste Fight—What You Need to Know

Juan Oliveros
-
0
New Mexico Escalates Pressure on U.S. Department of Energy in the Nuclear Waste Fight—What You Need to Know

Federal officials over the years vowed to clean up the radioactive legacy of the Cold War in northern New Mexico. But state officials are now saying they failed to deliver their promises, leaving hazardous nuclear waste in precarious situations and prompting an escalating standoff with the U.S. Department of Energy.

The center of the dispute is a backlog of so-called legacy waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory. These wastes were produced during the earliest days of the nation’s nuclear weapons program. Some of that waste, state officials said, remains stored in aging containers or buried in unlined pits above groundwater, factors that increase the risk of long-term contamination threats.

Department of Energy’s disposal facility

The federal government’s plan largely depended on shipping such waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, or WIPP, an expansive underground storage site carved into a salt formation near Carlsbad. Opened in 1999, the site isolates legacy nuclear wastes and still stands as the United States’ only permanent disposal facility of transuranic nuclear waste.

But state regulators pointed out, after a review of enforcement actions, the widening gap between federal commitments and on-the-ground progress. New Mexico’s Environment Department says cleanup schedules have slipped repeatedly, even as shipments from other states have moved ahead.

“The U.S. Department of Energy has failed to meet the Environment Department’s requirements to clean up legacy waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory and prioritize the disposal of such waste in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney.

Records show that state regulators have issued compliance orders and levied nearly P16 million in fines against the Department of Energy in recent months. State officials accused the federal government of failing to meet cleanup milestones. New Mexico considers revising WIPP’s permit so its own waste gets priority for disposal.

The Department of Energy denied the accusation. It claimed that safety rules, technical hurdles, and cross‑state transport challenges have hampered efforts to clean up. Federal officials also blamed competing demands from other states, including Idaho, which has sent significant volumes of waste to WIPP under federal agreements.

Those explanations, however, have done little to ease frustration in New Mexico. Communities near Los Alamos have borne the risks of radioactive waste while the weapons program spread its benefits nationwide.

Residents around Los Alamos

The conflict also highlights the boundaries of federal authority when states regulate. Washington controls the nation’s nuclear weapons complex, but New Mexico holds substantial power over environmental permits and compliance—an instrument it is increasingly willing to use.

At stake is not only the progress of cleanup at Los Alamos but also the fate of WIPP. The facility has limited capacity, and as cleanup efforts expand nationwide, competition for space has intensified. Officials decide which waste to ship—and when—making those choices into both logistical considerations and political judgments.

The issue comes down to accountability. The federal government cannot continue delaying the removal of nuclear waste while relying on the state to host both the storage sites and the disposal facility. With enforcement actions mounting, the standoff shows little sign of easing. Its outcome could ripple far beyond New Mexico, and will determine how the United States deals with the environmental legacy of its nuclear past.

Governor Lujan Grisham Set for WNMU 2026 Commencement Address

Gregg Morgan
-
0
Governor Lujan Grisham Set for WNMU 2026 Commencement Address

Students at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) are about to close another chapter of their academic journey. As they prepare for what’s next, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will join them to deliver inspiring valuable guidance.

Lujan Grisham will take the stage as keynote speaker at the WNMU Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 8. For the university, her visit highlights WNMU’s growth, underscoring its role as a regional hub for education and workforce development. 

The governor’s participation reflects her administration’s commitment to expanding educational access and celebrating graduates who help drive the state’s growth. Her address will honor the Class of 2026’s resilience and achievements, showing their journey through a dynamic, interconnected world.

WNMU Expresses Excitement Over Governor’s Participation

Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., said the university takes pride in welcoming the governor to a meaningful celebration. 

“We are honored to welcome Gov. Lujan Grisham to our spring Commencement ceremony. It is a testament to the Western New Mexico University mission to serve as a catalyst for economic and educational excellence in the Southwest,” Maples said.

“Gov. Grisham’s leadership has been instrumental in making higher education more accessible to all New Mexicans, and we are delighted to have her here to help inspire our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps as a new generation of New Mexico’s professionals and leaders,” he added. 

This year’s Commencement highlights WNMU’s dedication to community service and specialized education. The New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education at WNMU sets a standard for rural, high-quality educator training.

Dean of the College of Education Cindy Martinez, Ed.D., noted the importance of the governor’s support for specialized programs. These initiatives aim to give every child in New Mexico a strong foundational start.

“The Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education represents our unwavering commitment to the future of New Mexico’s youngest citizens. With the governor’s steadfast support, we are not just training educators; we are building a sustainable infrastructure that ensures every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to the high-quality foundational learning they deserve. This partnership allows WNMU to lead the way in transforming the early childhood landscape across our state,” Martinez said.

Impact of Tuition-Free Higher Education Initiatives

Under Lujan Grisham, New Mexico has implemented progressive tuition-free college programs in the United States. These initiatives benefit WNMU students, enabling first-generation students and working adults to pursue degrees without heavy loan debt. 

The governor’s presence at Commencement serves as a celebration of these policies. The measures have opened doors for thousands of New Mexicans to gain the skills for the modern workforce.

“The last time I stood on the Western New Mexico University campus, I signed our state’s historic Opportunity Scholarship into law. When I return in May as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026, I’ll get to witness for myself what that law made possible. This year’s graduates are proof that when New Mexico invests in its people, its people deliver — and I couldn’t be prouder to share this moment with them,” Lujan Grisham said.

Since 2022, the Opportunity Scholarship has helped over 118,000 New Mexicans, boosting enrollment and graduation rates statewide. 

The 2026 Spring Commencement is expected to draw thousands of family members and visitors to Silver City. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the ceremony begins promptly at 5:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, organizers will live-stream the event, allowing students, families, and communities worldwide to participate.

Heads Up: UNM Launches Free Cancer Screening

Ruben Reyes
-
0
Heads Up: UNM Launches Free Cancer Screening

Ever wanted to get a skin cancer screening but can’t due to financial restraints? The University of New Mexico is launching a free skin cancer screening on May 2, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

This initiative supports the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Spot Me Campaign. The UNM Department of Dermatology, in collaboration with the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, will hold free skin cancer screenings throughout the state.

Dr. John Durkin started this drive in May 2019 to prioritize New Mexico’s “dermatology deserts” and address cancer inequality in underserved communities.

UNM Hospital in Albuquerque and Sandoval Regional Medical Center in Rio Rancho will host the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to the UNM Department of Dermatology, patients do not need insurance or an appointment. The department encourages the public to take advantage of the opportunity to get screened without a doctor’s appointment or referral to a dermatologist.

UNM School of Medicine students will assist patients and assure them that they will receive the screening report and, if necessary, options for follow-up appointments.

For those who want to volunteer, you can contact Dr. John Durkin, and the UNM School of Medicine welcomes donations to the Ryan Daniell Memorial Fund.

Why New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Program Is in Court — and How It Could Help Families Save Thousands

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Why New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Program Is in Court — and How It Could Help Families Save Thousands

A legal battle New Mexico is facing over its new universal child care program is raising questions for parents. Will the program be stopped? What does the lawsuit mean? And how much could families save?

Here’s what to know.

What is New Mexico’s universal child care program?

The Universal Child Care Program aims to expand access to affordable child care statewide.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the initiative in September. The governor framed it as a major investment in working families. She says the program could save households about $12,000 per child each year.

“Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” said Lujan Grisham. “By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

That could significantly lower one of the biggest expenses many parents bear.

Why is it being challenged in court?

The case centers less on child care itself. It is more about how the program was launched.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez, who co-filed the lawsuit, argues the administration implemented the program without proper legislative authority. He said the action raises constitutional concerns and is a reminder of an earlier New Mexico Supreme Court precedent while serving as Human Services Department secretary in the Johnson administration. At the time, he was accused of implementing a program without legislative approval.

This week, a district judge ordered state officials to respond in court or pause the program. Rodriguez called that a victory. But Lujan Grisham’s office called it routine.

Is the program being stopped?

No, at least for now. The administration’s universal child care program remains in effect.

State officials say the judge did not suspend the program. Families, they say, should expect services to continue while the case moves forward.

The administration also says Senate Bill 241, which the governor signed into law this year, strengthens the legal basis for the program. It established funding and rules for future co-pays during economic downturns.

Rodriguez disputes that. He argued that the law was passed after implementation and does not settle the legal infirmities. That disagreement is now going deeper into court.

How does the program help families financially?

This is where the stakes become tangible. Child care can cost as much as a mortgage payment for most families. A reduction or elimination of that burden can reshape a family budget.

Supporters say families could use those savings for:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Food and household bills
  • Transportation costs
  • Health care expenses
  • Debt repayment
  • Savings for emergencies
  • School needs and extracurriculars

For working parents, affordable child care makes it easier to stay employed or return to work. That can improve household income, not only reduce expenses.

Who benefits most?

Potentially many families benefit fromthe program, but especially:

  • Working-class households
  • Single parents
  • Families with multiple young children
  • Parents balancing jobs with rising living costs

The savings could be substantial for families paying full-price child care.

Why do supporters call this more than a child care program?

Supporters of the program see it as an economic policy. They argue that universal child care functions like infrastructure because it helps parents work, supports early childhood education, and can strengthen labor force participation.

And it can put money back into household wallets and local economies.

The courts will weigh the lawsuit. State officials say they are ready of their response and stay confident the program will survive.

But the benefits continue, at least, for now.

Why does this matter beyond New Mexico?

The case could become part of a bigger debate playing out across the United States. The debate centers on the question of whether child care is a private family expense or a public investment. New Mexico is testing one answer.

And for most families, the result could affect not only access to care. It could also affect what remains in their wallets at the end of each month.

Court Pushes Grisham’s Administration to Answer Senate Bill 241 Child Care Rollout Without Legislative Backing

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Court Pushes Grisham’s Administration to Answer Senate Bill 241 Child Care Rollout Without Legislative Backing

A courtroom battle in New Mexico has opened a larger debate. It is not simply about child care. It is about power, law, and what government owes working families.

A state judge this week has allowed a legal challenge to New Mexico’s universal child care program to advance. The order did not stop the program. But it gave critics an opening, underscoring how even social safety nets can unravel in the crossfire of politics and procedure.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham framed universal child care as an economic lifeline. Her administration says this program could save families about $12,000 annually for each child. For many households, that is not an abstract policy. It is rent, groceries, and survival.

The governor’s allies say the legal challenge is more of a political theater than a constitutional principle. Duke Rodriguez, who co-filed the lawsuit, argues otherwise. He says the administration implemented a sweeping public benefit ahead of legislative authority. He views the judge’s order as a defense of transparency and constitutional order.

Grisham calls that claim fabricated. Both sides are fighting over more than legal timing, but who gets to determine legitimacy.

At the center of the legal skirmish is Senate Bill 241. The governor signed the measure earlier this year to fund the child care program and establish social safety nets during economic downturns. State officials say the law settles the matter.

Michael Coleman, the governor’s communications director, said on Tuesday, “The New Mexico Legislature settled the legal question when it passed Senate Bill 241. The governor is confident the courts will agree and toss out this ‘controversy’ manufactured by a Republican political candidate.”

Rodriguez counters that the law came after the program was implemented and does not cure what he sees as the original defect.

That dispute may appear technical. It is not. It reminds the public of a familiar American dilemma. Can an urgent public need justify executive speed? Or must the officials wait for every procedural question of a program to be resolved first?

The question matters beyond New Mexico’s border. Universal child care has become a poster child of the country’s most ambitious responses to rising economic inequality. It is also a test of whether states can craft resilient social programs even amid political divides.

Supporters frame the lawsuit as an attack on one of the policies aimed squarely at alleviating family hardship. But critics see it as a warning of an executive overreach.

Both views carry political force. But for parents enrolled in the child care program, the stakes are less ideological. They are practical.

Many parents ask. Can they keep working? Can they afford care when the need arises? Do they have an assurance that the benefit promised today will exist tomorrow? That is why the case resonates among many families.

It is not a matter of one governor moving too fast. It is about whether transformative policies can withstand legal and partisan attacks once they begin changing lives.

The program remains in place, for now. Families continue to receive support while the court has yet to rule on the merits of the lawsuit.

Coleman said the court rejected Duke Rodriguez’s request to halt universal child care without giving the governor or the Early Childhood Education and Care Department a chance to respond.

But the case has laid bare a deeper divide. In politics, even programs that aim to help children can become battlegrounds over constitutional mandate. And in that skirmish, families often find themselves caught in the crossfire.

New Mexico Health Care Authority Seeks Vendors to Strengthen Rural and Behavioral Health Programs

Victoria Padilla
-
0

On April 27, 2026, the New Mexico Health Care Authority issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking vendors to administer rural and behavioral health programs, including the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, the Rural Health Transformation Program, and the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (SB 3). Proposals are due by May 28, 2026, marking a critical step in addressing healthcare gaps.

This move reflects a broader national trend: health authorities are turning to external partners to manage complex health initiatives. The purpose is to strengthen rural and behavioral health systems where access remains limited and outcomes uneven.

Similar initiatives have been launched elsewhere, such as Virginia’s telehealth expansion for opioid treatment, Montana’s mobile crisis response teams, and Colorado’s suicide screening protocols in rural hospitals. These programs highlight how states are innovating to meet behavioral health needs in remote areas.

The benefits of these initiatives include improved access to care, reduced preventable hospitalizations, and expanded behavioral health support. Vendor expertise also helps states coordinate funding streams and streamline program administration.

New Mexico’s RFP fits squarely into this national pattern, reinforcing the headline’s message that vendor partnerships are central to strengthening rural and behavioral health programs. By aligning with proven strategies, the state aims to close persistent healthcare gaps.

As proposals move forward, officials expect sustainable collaborations that enhance service delivery and long-term outcomes. The initiative signals a growing commitment to equitable healthcare access across rural America.

Hot Start Fades as Isotopes Drop Opener to Chihuahuas

Esmeralda Lozano
-
0
Hot Start Fades as Isotopes Drop Opener to Chihuahuas

Early run not enough as El Paso rallies to 16–2 win

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On Tuesday, April 28, the Albuquerque Isotopes opened their first game of the series against the El Paso Chihuahuas under sunny, refreshing skies that set the tone for a lively night at the ballpark.

Adding a special crossover moment to the evening, former New Mexico Lobos basketball player Jake Hall threw out the ceremonial first pitch the first former Lobos player to do so at an Isotopes game for the first time in a long time. The moment underscored a theme that would define the night: determination.

At the top of the fourth inning, the Isotopes made a pitching change, bringing in Patrick Weigel for Palmquist. The transition proved difficult, as multiple hit-by-pitches gave the Chihuahuas key opportunities to extend their lead.

By the end of the fourth inning, El Paso had surged ahead 6–1.The Chihuahuas continued to build on that lead, adding another run in the fifth and several more in the innings that followed. While both teams held steady through the seventh and eighth innings, the gap proved too wide to close.

In the final stretch, El Paso sealed the game with a commanding performance, highlighted by a double and a triple that brought the score to 16–2

Despite the tough loss, the Isotopes still have room to bounce back as the series against El Paso continues. With several games ahead, the team will look to regroup and reclaim momentum on their home field.

Student Directed Sondheim at Albuquerque High School

Olivia Woodard
-
0
Student Directed Sondheim at Albuquerque High School

Last week at Albuquerque High School, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) was full of an audience, a live orchestra, and a forest come to life on stage. On Saturday, April 25, students closed a two week run of Into the Woods. Tall trees, live music, and talented students exceeded expectations for this high school production, and best of all, it was student directed. 

Albuquerque High School is known to have one of the most active drama programs in New Mexico. Their 2025-2026 season included nine official productions, including two musicals and not including a talent show and a faculty fundraiser show. Into the Woods, the beloved Sondheim musical, closed out the season. 

The full theatre season and other hosted events in the PAC is made possible by the fact that the drama director, Ralph Adkins, allows students to run the show (and direct them!)

Aspen Desilet, the senior who directed Into the Woods, spoke with me about the experience. 

“We had auditions, I believe, the second week of January. We’ve been rehearsing since pretty much right after that.” 

Aspen explained that it was a community collaboration that allowed their vision to be executed so well in the end. “I pulled some people from weird places, like my catechism teacher is playing trumpet. And then I asked our orchestra teacher, Sam Brown, if he would be willing to direct the orchestra, and he was.”

Aspen’s personal vocal teacher helped actors with singing, and costumes and props were borrowed from Musical Theatre Southwest, a local production company in town. “I had been doing community theater last semester and over the summer… and when I was doing Frozen there, I saw their cow, and I was like, ‘man, That’s a nice cow.’” 

Aspen and other students put together the musical from start to end, and the final product was phenomenal, even with some challenges along the way. “For the first dress rehearsal, [the trees] weren’t held down. And they almost, somebody knocked into one of them and they almost fell over.” 

Near the end of the interview, I asked if there was anyone who really helped the show along. “Shout out Adkins,” Aspen said. “He’s built up a very cool theater program. We have a lot of opportunity here. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to put my creative vision into the world. Big thank you to MTS and my voice teacher for helping me out. And also, like, my cast. They’re just so amazing.”

A Stephen Sondheim musical at high school level is no small feat. Albuquerque High students executed it with precision and passion, and were given a well-deserved standing ovation by the audience on Friday night.

Olivia Woodard is a journalist for Brant One News. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Higher Education Secretary Rodriguez Lauds Four-Year Universities for Holding Tuition Steady

Gregg Morgan
-
0
Higher Education Secretary Rodriguez Lauds Four-Year Universities for Holding Tuition Steady

Keeping tuition steady means more support for students. New Mexico’s four-year universities gained recognition for holding costs flat. Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez praised the move for helping protect student welfare and expand access to education. 

Rodriguez said the university regents made the right decision not to implement tuition increase and prioritize affordability for students. She issued the statement after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a record $1.5 billion higher education budget for fiscal year 2027. 

“New Mexico’s university regents from four-year universities are correct to not raise tuition. I applaud them for holding the line,” said Rodriguez.

“Given that the State of New Mexico under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham leadership made a historic investment into our statewide higher education system this past legislative session, with record funding dedicated to support college access and affordability, it is all the more important to send a message to students, and also prospective students, that New Mexico will put those funds to good use and not saddle anyone with unnecessary debt,” she added. 

Rodriguez said the state must prioritize the public good, and the regents’ decision helped advance the commitment. She also expressed that the state will continue supporting students, faculty, and staff in every way possible.

“As federal government decision-making continues to spike costs for everyone, our state can and should continue to be an example of government on both sides of the aisle working for the good of the people—and the regents’ decision has helped to reinforce that,” the higher education secretary said.

“Supporting our students is the best example we can set, and New Mexico will continue to work to help minimize costs and stress about everyday living expenses for faculty, staff and students statewide, in whatever manner we can,” she assured.

Historic Investment in Higher Education

The $1.5 billion higher education budget represents a 15.4% increase over last year. This marks the largest investment in higher education in state history.  

The budget sustains and expands the state’s nation-leading tuition-free college programs while accelerating workforce development and training initiatives. It also supports students’ basic needs and provides major funding for campus infrastructure.  

Rodriguez earlier said the budget represents a historic investment in the state’s public colleges and universities. It supports employment in essential fields like education and health care and helps the next generation of New Mexicans reach their career goals. She added that it will improve the quality of life for students pursuing their degrees.

As part of the allocation, the governor approved $186 million for the Opportunity Scholarship, $146 million from the general fund, and $40 million from the Higher Education Program Fund. This comes alongside a $37 million increase to the Lottery Tuition Fund, maintaining 100% tuition coverage for eligible students. 

These investments preserve 100% tuition coverage for students and strengthen long-term support for free college programs. Since 2022, the Opportunity Scholarship has helped over 118,000 New Mexicans, boosting enrollment and graduation rates statewide. 

1...484950...99Page 49 of 99