- NEW MEXICO ENERGY FUTURE
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Residents in northwestern New Mexico will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of a coal-fired power plant slated for closure in 2022. Public Regulation Commission Chairwoman Theresa Becenti-Aguilar has scheduled a hearing Monday in Farmington. The commission is considering Public Service Co. of New Mexico's application to shutter the plant and replace the lost capacity with a mix of natural gas, renewables and battery storage. At issue is whether the state's energy transition law applies and if the plant's owners can recover investments by selling bonds that would be paid off by utility customers. The plan also includes $40 million in economic aid for the area.
- SANCHEZ-ALBUQUERQUE COUNCILOR
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Ken Sanchez, a four-term member of the Albuquerque City Council, has died at age 63. Cause of death wasn't released but Mayor Tim Keller's announcement said Sanchez hadn't returned to his council duties since having what Keller described as "medical emergency"in November. Sanchez had been a councilor since 2005. He served as council president for three times during that span, and Keller said Sanchez was a "legendary public servant"who put "policy before partisanship and people before politics." Officials said memorial services for Sanchez will be announced this week. Keller asked that flags in Albuquerque be flown at half-staff Thursday.
- CHICANO MURAL THREATENED
An iconic Chicano mural in Santa Fe painted by Mexican American artists is scheduled for destruction to make way for a new contemporary museum. The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs said last month state officials have determined the mural is "unstable with extensive cracking" and, therefore, beyond repair. But writer Alicia Inez Guzman says the destruction of the mural is evidence of gentrification and the erasure of Mexican American culture in the capital city of the nation's most Hispanic state. The mural is slated for removal to make way for the planned New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary.
- ELECTION-2020-NEW-MEXICO-SENATE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico state senator who last month was found guilty of aggravated drunken driving and reckless driving will face a primary challenge. Rio Arriba County Commissioner Leo Jaramillo says he will seek to unseat embattled state Sen. Richard Martinez in the Democratic primary. Jaramillo is a former journalist and public school teacher. The 43-year-old says he is running to "restore credibility" to the northern New Mexico seat. Martinez was found guilty of aggravated drunken driving and reckless driving in connection with a June car crash. He has stepped down from Senate leadership roles but has refused to resign from his seat.
- TAX LAWSUIT-NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More New Mexico cities and counties are claiming that the state tax agency has failed to accurately collect and distribute tax revenue. The Albuquerque Journal reports that 44 municipalities, counties and other local agencies have signed on to a lawsuit that began with just a few local governments a year ago. The complaint alleges violations in the state's handling of potentially tens of millions of dollars in gross receipts tax revenue. The Taxation and Revenue Department in court documents has denied the allegations. The agency has appointed a liaison to answer questions and concerns about the tax distribution.
- GOVERNMENT-GREEN LEASING
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico says it's now considering the energy efficiency of buildings when leasing office space. The state General Services Department made the announcement Tuesday, saying it also will take into account other measures by building owners to reduce environmental effects, such as recycling programs, eco-friendly cleaning products or the installation of solar power. The state's facilities management division recently issued a request for proposals for temporary office space for the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The department's current home is up for a major renovation that will include solar.
- ICE FISHING-NEW MEXICO
EAGLE NEST, N.M. (AP) — Officials with the New Mexico State Parks Division say Eagle Nest is now open to ice fishing. Current measurements indicate that ice thickness at the northern New Mexico lake exceeds minimum standards and can accommodate walk-in or snowmobile access. The State Parks Division has the authority to close or restrict access to areas of parks, as well as to restrict, limit or prohibit activities such as ice fishing, as conditions require. Officials say such actions are taken in the interest of public safety and resource protection. Officials also are warning visitors not to fish alone and to be prepared for weather conditions.
- OIL BOOM-CONSTRUCTION JOBS
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The construction industry is booming in New Mexico. The Associated General Contractors of America says the state was ranked No. 2 in the nation in October and November for construction job growth. Both months marked more than 11% year-over-year gains. The only other state with better numbers was Nevada. A dominant share of New Mexico's increased construction is in oil-rich Eddy and Lea counties in southeastern New Mexico, where economic development officials expect even more activity in 2020. Officials say the shortage of qualified construction workers in southeastern New Mexico is the only thing holding the Carlsbad and Hobbs areas from even more construction.