new mexico
SCOTUS rejects water deal in Rio Grande dispute
A recent Supreme Court decision has stalled a settlement in the long-standing water dispute over the Rio Grande, impacting New Mexico, Texas, and the federal government.
In short:
- The Supreme Court rejected a proposed settlement to resolve water disputes between Texas and New Mexico, citing federal interests.
- The case, initiated by Texas in 2013, accuses New Mexico of over-pumping groundwater, violating the 1938 Rio Grande Compact.
- Experts warn this decision might embolden federal involvement in interstate water disputes, prolonging litigation.
Key quote:
“Having acknowledged those interests, and having allowed the United States to intervene to assert them, we cannot now allow Texas and New Mexico to leave the United States up the river without a paddle.”
— Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Why this matters:
Water rights are critical for agriculture and municipal use in arid regions. This ruling could set a precedent for federal involvement in state water disputes, complicating future negotiations and regional water management.
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New Mexico oil reform bill collapses amid industry opposition
New Mexico’s attempt to pass a reform bill to address the state's unplugged oil wells collapsed after industry groups opposed the final proposal they had helped shape.
In short:
- New Mexico's oil industry initially supported negotiations to address over 70,000 unplugged wells but opposed the final reform bill, leading to its collapse.
- The proposed bill aimed to increase financial accountability for well plugging and establish safety zones around wells.
- Industry lobbying and internal disagreements among stakeholders weakened the bill, preventing it from passing the House.
Key quote:
“We are continuing to work with policymakers to advance balanced regulations that enhance safety, sustainability and environmental stewardship and help ensure that American energy is produced responsibly from start to finish.”
— Holly Hopkins, American Petroleum Institute
Why this matters:
Unplugged wells pose significant environmental and public health risks, leaking toxic substances. Without reform, taxpayers may bear the financial burden of cleanup, exacerbating the already critical issue of orphan wells nationwide.
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Supreme Court blocks Rio Grande water deal between Texas and New Mexico
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government must be involved in any water agreements between Texas and New Mexico concerning the Rio Grande.
Alejandra Martinez and Berenice Garcia report for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision mandates federal involvement in water management agreements between states.
- Texas and New Mexico's recent agreement excluded federal input, leading to the ruling.
- The decision affects water distribution from the Rio Grande, impacting international treaties and regional drought management.
Key quote:
"We cannot now allow Texas and New Mexico to leave the United States up the river without a paddle."
— Majority opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court
Why this matters:
The ruling underscores the complexity of water management in drought-prone regions and highlights the federal government's role in resolving interstate water disputes. The decision could influence future negotiations and water policies amid increasing water scarcity.
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Credit: Frimufilms/Big Stock Photo
New Mexico town battles fires and flash floods
A New Mexico village facing evacuation orders due to wildfires is now grappling with flash floods caused by heavy rains.
In short:
- Ruidoso, N.M., under evacuation due to the South Fork and Salt wildfires, is now facing flash flooding.
- About 2.5 inches of rain fell in 30 minutes, causing floodwaters to surge down slopes charred by the fires.
- The South Fork and Salt fires have burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed 1,400 structures, and claimed at least two lives.
Why this matters:
The combination of wildfires and flash floods creates a dual disaster, compounding the risks and challenges for emergency response. Wildfires, which strip the landscape of vegetation, leave the ground unable to absorb sudden downpours, resulting in flash floods. This cycle of destruction not only endangers human lives but also disrupts ecosystems, washing away topsoil and further destabilizing the terrain.
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New Mexico considers reuse of oil and gas wastewater amid safety concerns
New Mexico regulators propose reusing treated oil and gas wastewater in industrial processes but prohibit its discharge into rivers due to safety concerns.
In short:
- New Mexico generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater annually from oil and gas drilling, currently injected underground or transported to Texas for disposal.
- Proposed rules allow treated wastewater reuse in industry but prohibit river discharges, citing insufficient safety data.
- Environmental advocates worry about risks, while industry groups argue the rules are too restrictive compared to other states.
Key quote:
“The scientific research that would allow us to protectively permit treated produced water discharge simply does not exist.”
— Andrew Knight, NMED assistant general counsel
Why this matters:
New Mexico faces severe water shortages and must explore alternatives to traditional water sources. Safe reuse of treated wastewater could provide a new water supply but poses potential environmental and public health risks.
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Credit: Niko Vassios/Unsplash
Wildlife faces new challenges with large-scale solar energy projects
Researchers are studying how utility-scale solar developments in New Mexico impact pronghorn and other wildlife to find ways to mitigate negative effects.
In short:
- Wildlife researchers are capturing and collaring pronghorn in New Mexico to track their movements and study the effects of large-scale solar projects.
- Solar development is expanding in the Four Corners region, often overlapping with wildlife migration corridors, but data on its impact on large mammals is scarce.
- The study aims to inform future solar projects to ensure they are developed with minimal harm to local wildlife populations.
Key quote:
“We can’t make the same mistakes over and over again with our policies. I just felt like we were doing that by saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later; all that matters is we get green energy.”
— Aaron Facka, senior wildlife biologist at Wildlands Network
Why this matters:
Solar farms, with their extensive fencing and altered landscapes, can disrupt migration routes and access to vital resources. Researchers are meticulously studying these impacts to devise strategies that could help mitigate the negative effects on pronghorns and other wildlife. Early findings suggest that simple adjustments, such as wildlife-friendly fencing and strategic placement of solar arrays, could make a significant difference.
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Ruling allows construction of controversial energy line to proceed
A U.S. judge has dismissed a challenge by Native American tribes and environmentalists against a $10 billion energy transmission project in Arizona.
In short:
- The judge ruled that the tribes' and environmentalists' challenge came too late, allowing the SunZia energy transmission line project to proceed.
- The project, spanning from New Mexico to California, is designed to transport wind-generated electricity.
- The SunZia project is seen as integral to President Biden's climate agenda but faces opposition due to its impact on historic and cultural sites.
Key quote:
"This decision provides assurance moving forward that projects that follow permitting processes and obtain proper approvals will not be threatened years later by baseless legal claims."
— Cary Kottler, chief development officer of Pattern Energy
Why this matters:
The ruling emphasizes the ongoing tension between large-scale renewable energy projects and the preservation of cultural and environmental resources. This decision may set a precedent for future infrastructure projects facing similar opposition.
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