Tag: water crisis

What New Mexico Farmers and Ranchers Need to Know About Federal Drought Relief

The USDA has declared all 33 New Mexico counties drought disaster areas, giving farmers and ranchers access to emergency loans as severe drought tightens its grip across the state.

After 13 Years of Water War, New Mexico Secures a Rare Victory on the Rio Grande

The U.S. Supreme Court’s approval of a landmark Rio Grande settlement ends a 13-year water war between Texas, New Mexico and the federal government, giving New Mexico farmers certainty while helping the state avoid potentially devastating financial penalties. The agreement reshapes water management in the drought-stricken Southwest and signals a rare legal and political victory for New Mexico in an era of escalating climate pressures.

Oracle’s $5 Billion Pitch to New Mexico: Can Project Jupiter Win Over Skeptical Residents?

Oracle is rolling out a statewide advertising campaign to build support for Project Jupiter, its massive planned data center campus in Doña Ana County. The company promises jobs, cleaner energy and minimal water use, but residents and environmental advocates remain skeptical about the long-term impact of AI infrastructure in drought-stricken New Mexico.

“The Desert Is Not for Sale”: Inside the Revolt Against a Massive ‘Green’ Data Center in Rural New Mexico

A proposed renewable-powered AI data center in rural New Mexico has ignited fierce resistance from residents who fear the project threatens scarce water resources, fragile desert ecosystems and local control. The battle unfolding in Socorro reflects a growing national conflict over the environmental costs of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Thirsty Deserts, Salty Solution — New Mexico Launches $13M Mapping, Testing, and Treating Brackish Water Contracts

Facing worsening drought and shrinking freshwater reserves, New Mexico is investing millions in brackish water desalination and underground aquifer mapping. State officials say the initiative could help secure drought-resilient water supplies for future generations, particularly in rural and tribal communities.

New Mexico Reopens Fight Over Toxic Oil and Gas Wastewater — Environmentalists Call It a Political Gamble

New Mexico regulators voted to revive a contentious rulemaking process that could expand the use of treated oil and gas wastewater beyond drilling sites, reigniting a fierce clash between industry advocates and environmental groups over public health, water scarcity and political influence.

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

The Gallup City Council has delayed a vote on a proposal to sell treated wastewater to a data center developer, as residents and officials debate whether the plan could transform a scarce public resource into industrial fuel while deepening concerns over water security in arid New Mexico.

Snowpack Collapse Puts Rio Grande at Risk of Running Dry — Again

A snowpack collapse in New Mexico is pushing the Rio Grande toward another dry summer, with reservoirs critically low and flows at risk across key stretches.

Historic Heat Wave Exposes New Mexico’s Climate Vulnerabilities

New Mexico is experiencing a historic March heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the 90s while snowpack levels plunge to record lows. Experts warn this convergence threatens water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems across the Southwest, underscoring the urgent need for climate adaptation.