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Jan. 6th KSFR First News: Hundreds Of Protestors Show Up For PRC Hearings On PNM Power Plan-Listen

Environmentalists, Native Americans and others first protested outside and later packed a Public Regulation Commission auditorium Monday for the start of hearings on what some energy experts have called a watershed utility case. It involves Public Service Company of New Mexico’s plan to shut down half of the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. The plan could set the stage for energy policy in the state far into the future. Among the protestors: Louise Benally a Navajo from Black Mesa, AZ *****010615-Benally-1 :25***** The hearings, expected to last at least two weeks, began with public comment on PNM’s plan, which aims to bring the power plant in compliance with federal haze regulations. PNM wants to shut two generating units and install pollution controls on the remaining two to cut nitrogen- oxide emissions, which cause haze.

A new legislative proposal would bar New Mexico private- and public-sector workers from being required to join unions as a condition for employment. Three Republican lawmakers announced Monday they have filed a bill that would transform New Mexico's labor laws and make it a so-called "right-to-work" state. The measure goes further than a proposal from Senator. Sander Rue which only would bar private-sector employees from the requirement. Supporters of the bills say they would spur economic growth and attract businesses to the state. Opponents say they're attacks on unions and won't create jobs or save the state any money. Both proposals come as the Republicans will take control of the New Mexico House for the first time in 60 years. Democrats still control the New Mexico Senate.

The Santa Fe County program that offers taxi rides home for reduced fares those who’ve been drinking at local establishments was very popular New Year’s Eve. Santa Fe County DWI Prevention Specialist Peter Olson says the program offered one-dollar cab rides home resulted in nearly 200 riders for revelers. Olson believes the increased numbers reflect the County’s efforts: *****010615-Olson-2 :26***** The Cab Ride Home program is a regular feature—It runs from 5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.  The normal rate for the subsidized ride home is five-dollars per cab for one-to-two riders and 10-dollars per cab for three or more.

Authorities say a 30-year-old Farmington man has been arrested for driving while intoxicated for the 16th time. Farmington police say Laurence Pine is being held on a 200-thousand dollar bond on suspicion of DWI, two counts of child abuse and other charges. Pine was arrested New Year’s Eve after officers were informed about a possible domestic violence situation. They say Pine had left the scene, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had two young children in the vehicle. Officers later located the car at a gasoline station and say the two children — ages 8 and 11 — were inside. A warrant was obtained to determine Pine's blood-alcohol level.

New Mexico's largest school district has an important decision ahead of it, and school board members want the public's help. Albuquerque Public Schools is conducting an online survey where students, parents, teachers and community members can choose characteristics they feel the district's next leader should have. The district is also hosting public meetings and forums to discuss the search for a new superintendent. Winston Brooks resigned from the post in August after the board bought out the last two years of his contract. Both sides declined to elaborate, but records show an attorney was hired to look into accusations of intimidation and retaliation involving Brooks.

More reward money is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot and wounded an Albuquerque police officer during a traffic stop. Lou Golson was shot twice as he tried to question a motorist Saturday. It's not yet known what provoked the driver to shoot at Golson, who returned fire before the shooter fled. The U.S. Marshals Service is posting a 10-thousnd dollar reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has a new chaplain. The agency announced Monday that Jose "Chappy" Villegas will serve as the department's official chaplain and will help victims and department members deal with the emotional aftermath of violent crimes.Villegas also serves the Santa Fe Police and Fire Departments as well as the FBI. In addition, Villegas also assists with more than twelve agencies in northern New Mexico when needed.

Santa Fe Weather: Sunny skies today with the high 49. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low down to 28. Tomorrow: expect mostly sunny skies and cooler, with the high just 37.