Governor Susana Martinez says curfews can be an important tool for keeping teens on the right track and that she would support letting communities decide for themselves whether to impose such measures. The governor made her comments Monday as the Albuquerque City Council prepared to discuss whether to push for legislation that would give local governments across New Mexico the ability to impose and enforce teen curfews. Even though the next legislative session is dedicated to budget and tax issues, Martinez says the question of local curfews will be added to her call for the 30-day session that begins in January. The governor's office says it has discussed the issue with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and Councilor Ken Sanchez. Critics have argued that parents should enforce curfews, not the government.
Santa Fe Police want to remind the public about their plans to ensure student safety and reduce traffic congestion at all school zones across the city. They say in addition to reduced speed limits in school zones, officers will be focusing on compliance with laws on school bus stop-arms, distracted driving, mobile phones, seat belt, and child passenger safety laws. SFPD has announced that “Operation Back to School” is in effect until September 11th. Look out for extra officers posted in school zones during the arrival and dismissal times for the next 20 school days.
A federal judge has denied a request by environmentalists to put on hold oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico that stems from the approval of dozens of permits over the last two years by the Bureau of Land Management. U.S. District Judge James Browning issued his ruling late Friday. At least one environmental group plans to appeal. Environmentalists contend the BLM's Farmington office violated federal environmental laws by approving 265 permits since 2013 and that more development could harm the environment and archaeological and cultural sites in the region. The BLM has declined to comment directly on the litigation but maintains that it reviews all permitted wells to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Browning also cleared the way for the American Petroleum Institute to participate in the case.
A federal judge has denied a request by environmentalists to put on hold oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico that stems from the approval of dozens of permits over the last two years by the Bureau of Land Management. U.S. District Judge James Browning issued his ruling late Friday. At least one environmental group plans to appeal. Environmentalists contend the BLM's Farmington office violated federal environmental laws by approving 265 permits since 2013 and that more development could harm the environment and archaeological and cultural sites in the region. The BLM has declined to comment directly on the litigation but maintains that it reviews all permitted wells to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Browning also cleared the way for the American Petroleum Institute to participate in the case.
State officials are acknowledging that emails from the domain belonging to the Democratic Party of New Mexico were first blocked from state servers after being identified as spam four years ago. Officials with the state Department of Information Technology detailed the cause of the email flap Monday as the party called for an investigation. Party spokesman Scott Tillman says Democrats first noticed emails being returned in July after requesting information from the Secretary of State's office. The party took aim at the office. The office denied doing anything to block the emails, saying it was the IT Department that maintained the state government email system.
U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich have announced that New Mexico will receive one-half million dollars through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support outdoor- recreation and conservation projects throughout the state. Both Democrats say these funds are effective for creating and protecting parks and open spaces, which provide numerous benefits. However, Heinrich and Udall warn the program will expire in September unless Congress takes action. The Senators announcing they have introduced legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The Navajo Nation says it's waiting for test results from its own environment officials before deciding whether to declare the San Juan River safe for use. Tribal President Russell Begaye has advised Navajos not to let livestock drink from the river or use the water for crops. Meanwhile, New Mexico has lifted water restrictions for the Animas and San Juan rivers, and Colorado has reopened the Animas to boating. Utah also has given the OK for San Juan River to be used for crops and livestock. Begaye spokesman Mihio Manus says the tribe's Environmental Protection Agency is analyzing water samples following a leak of contaminants at a Colorado gold mine. The August fifth spill sent a plume of pollutants downstream into the San Juan River.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny today with the high reaching 88 and a 10-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms after noon. Tonight: Mostly clear with the overnight low, 58. Tomorrow: Mostly sunny with the high 79.