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​​Billions of tax dollars at risk as MLG doubles down on bankrolling failing solar

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remains determined to invest New Mexicans’ tax dollars into the solar industry, despite the sector facing significant financial challenges. Recent efforts to support solar companies with substantial subsidies have raised concerns as these investments appear increasingly risky.

One of the key initiatives involved a partnership with Maxeon Solar, a company that was slated to receive over $2.4 billion in subsidies from various levels of New Mexico’s government. This initiative was part of a broader push to promote “renewable energy” under the industrial policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, which included federal and state incentives. However, despite these massive financial commitments, the Maxeon project has encountered delays, and there is growing skepticism about whether the factory will materialize anytime soon—if at all.

Maxeon’s financial health has deteriorated significantly over the past year. On August 9, 2024, the company’s stock was valued at just 16 cents per share, a staggering 99% decline from its price of $22 per share when the deal was initially announced on August 10, 2023, per analysis from the Rio Grande Foundation. 

Even at that time, the stock had already seen a sharp drop from its peak of over $50 per share. The company’s financial struggles are further highlighted by its negative earnings per share (EPS) of -$8.03, signaling ongoing losses.

Undeterred by Maxeon’s setbacks, Lujan Grisham recently inked another deal with a different solar company, “Ebon,” which is based in communist China. New Mexico taxpayers are expected to contribute at least $11 million to back this new venture, although the full extent of the subsidy package has not yet been disclosed by the governor’s administration. 

However, Ebon is facing its own financial difficulties. The company’s stock price has plummeted from $388 per share in 2021 to just under $6 per share in 2024, marking a 98.5% decline. Like Maxeon, Ebon also reports negative earnings, with an EPS of -$5.86.

These developments have sparked concern among critics who question the wisdom of pouring significant taxpayer dollars into struggling solar companies. As the solar industry continues to grapple with financial instability, the effectiveness of these investments in driving sustainable economic growth in New Mexico remains uncertain.

Taxpayers footing $11M bill for Chinese solar shell company’s move to NM

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Woman who killed newborn in hospital bathroom gets good news from NM court

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A teen facing charges for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby in a hospital bathroom trash can has experienced a significant development in her legal case. The New Mexico Supreme Court has delayed Alexee Trevizo’s pre-trial hearing, initially set for August 6, as it reviews whether specific evidence, including statements she made at the hospital, can be used in court.

Trevizo, who is accused of first-degree murder of her newborn son, was charged in January 2023. Additional charges include intentional child abuse and tampering with evidence, as per a criminal complaint filed in Eddy County, New Mexico.

The incident occurred when Trevizo visited the emergency room for back pain. Medical professionals informed her that she was pregnant. Allegedly, she then locked herself in a bathroom, delivered the baby, placed him in a trash bag, and concealed the bag in a trash bin. The newborn was later found deceased.

A major point of contention in the case is the district court’s decision to exclude all statements Trevizo made to her medical providers. The court ruled that these statements, made in front of both her doctor and mother, are protected under doctor-patient privilege.

Trevizo’s attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, argued that neither her mother nor law enforcement officers should have been present during these conversations, especially since they were recorded on a bodycam. He emphasized, “They violated the doctor-patient privilege and they violated Miranda rights – trying to talk to somebody without telling them about their constitutional rights.”

Mitchell further highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating that it touches on crucial issues concerning women’s rights and reproductive matters. He also revealed that there is a civil lawsuit against the hospital for alleged malpractice.

“The state’s not going to have certain evidence that they can introduce – all the video film and all the stuff that should have been confidential and all the testing,” Mitchell noted, expressing doubt about the prosecution’s ability to build a case without this evidence. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that this does not necessarily mean the state won’t try to proceed.

District Attorney Dianna Luce has appealed the court’s ruling, arguing that Trevizo waived her privilege by making statements multiple times, fully aware of the presence of her mother and law enforcement officers.

Woman who killed newborn in hospital bathroom gets good news from NM court Read More »

Taxpayers footing $11M bill for Chinese solar shell company’s move to NM

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Ebon Solar, along with state officials, announced plans on Wednesday for an enormous 834,000-square-foot solar cell manufacturing facility at Mesa del Sol in Bernalillo County. Maxeon Solar Technologies intends to build its own massive manufacturing site at this location, which is already home to Netflix’s West Coast production hub.

Despite being marketed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office as having ties to Delaware, Ebon Solar’s parent company, Ebang International Holdings, is based in Hangzhou, communist China. The company, which recently registered the trademark “Ebon Solar” on July 12, claims it plans to invest $942 million into the new facility.

Judy Cai, CEO of Ebon Solar, stated, “Our choice of Albuquerque for our investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable innovation, and New Mexico offers abundant solar resources, favorable renewable energy policies, and a dedicated, skilled workforce.” She emphasized that these factors would enhance Ebon Solar’s capital investment and production capabilities, making Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the state of New Mexico ideal partners as they integrate into the so-called clean energy market.

The planned expansion at Mesa del Sol follows a similar announcement from Maxeon Solar Technologies last year. The Singapore-based company plans to build a 1.9 million-square-foot plant in the same community, expected to create 1,800 jobs at full capacity.

Ebon Solar’s proposed facility at Mesa del Sol signifies a significant victory for New Mexico, which has been actively promoting advanced solar expansions under the Lujan Grisham regime. In addition to Ebon and Maxeon, Albuquerque-based Array Technologies Inc. committed more than $50 million to a new campus.

However, the expansion of Ebon Solar to New Mexico comes with significant financial implications for taxpayers. The state, city, and county are expected to provide substantial investments and tax breaks to the company. Mark Roper, interim secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department, mentioned that the state is proposing $10 million in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds, while the city of Albuquerque plans to contribute another $1 million. Therefore, taxpayers will be directly funding at least $11 million to communist China.

“I would expect to see some activity on that in August,” Roper said.

Marcos Gonzales, economic development director for Bernalillo County, indicated that the county’s role would involve managing Ebon’s industrial revenue bond (IRB) application, which typically provides tax breaks for expanding companies. He explained that the IRB application would be introduced at a Bernalillo County Commission meeting next week.

“The fundamental piece is they convey the property to the county, and then we lease it back to them for the term of the IRB,” Gonzales said. “So in this case, like 30 years, and then at the end of it, we give it back to the property owner, and then they start paying property taxes. So, it’s the leaseback structure that creates the savings for the company.”

The announcement of Ebon Solar’s expansion was the result of a concerted effort by private and public officials, including the New Mexico Partnership and the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, which served as a project management partner during Ebon’s market evaluation process.

Governor Lujan Grisham, currently on a 10-day trip to India focusing on economic development and education, praised the expansion in a statement, saying, “We have succeeded in making New Mexico a global center for advanced energy manufacturing. Ebon Solar joins other leading companies in embracing New Mexico’s commitment to renewable energy, its talented, dedicated workforce, and the opportunities we provide for job training and tuition-free college. All this works together to diversify the economy and create high-paying jobs for New Mexico’s families.”

Lujan Grisham traveled to communist China during her time in Congress and during her gubernatorial administration and met with communist Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping, being a very close ally to the regime, as evidenced by these deals enriching the oppressive enemy of the United States. 

EXCLUSIVE: Details from Gov. Lujan Grisham’s ‘private meeting’ with communist Chinese official

Taxpayers footing $11M bill for Chinese solar shell company’s move to NM Read More »

New Mexico’s kids among the most underprivileged in the U.S.

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

WalletHub has released its latest report on the “States With the Most Underprivileged Children in 2024.” This comprehensive study, coupled with expert commentary, underscores the pressing issues faced by children across the United States and highlights areas in dire need of improvement to better the lives of our nation’s youth.

WalletHub’s report offers a detailed comparison of all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 critical metrics. These metrics range from the percentage of children living in households with incomes below the poverty line to the incidence of child maltreatment, child mortality rates, and levels of food insecurity. The findings reveal significant disparities and underscore the urgent need for policy interventions.

In the rankings, New Mexico stands out as particularly concerning, coming in fourth overall in terms of child welfare challenges. Specifically, the state ranks third for the percentage of children living in households with below-poverty incomes, indicating a severe economic hardship for a substantial portion of its youth. Furthermore, New Mexico is seventh in terms of child food insecurity rates, reflecting widespread hunger among children.

The state also shows troubling figures in other areas: it ranks thirteenth for the percentage of maltreated children and seventeenth for the percentage of uninsured children. Additionally, New Mexico has a high rate of children in single-parent families, placing fourth in this category, and it ranks fifteenth in terms of child and youth homelessness. These rankings collectively paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by children in New Mexico.

The report also identifies West Virginia as the state with the most underprivileged children. The state’s high share of children in low-income households with no employed adults and significant child maltreatment rates contribute to its dire ranking. This comparison highlights the broader national issue of child poverty and maltreatment.

Experts provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of various programs aimed at alleviating child poverty. Darcey H. Merritt, MSW, Ph.D., from The University of Chicago, noted the importance of comprehensive family support programs. “Financial support for the entire family is critical, inclusive of support for parents. Early Head Start and Head Start programs have proven across the years to be instrumental in leveling the playing field for children living in poverty at extremely sensitive times of child development.”

Arturo Baiocchi, Ph.D., from California State University, Sacramento, elaborated on the long-term impacts of child poverty. “The enduring impact of child poverty has sometimes been described as having a ‘long arm’ across the life course – the disadvantages of growing up in poverty accumulate over time and restrict the opportunities that people face at different phases of their life.”

Ezekiel Dixon-Román from Columbia University stressed the importance of legislative action in addressing these issues. “There are definitely elected officials that understand and are prioritizing the needs of children coming from low-resourced homes and communities. The problem is a consequential gridlock in Congress and the capacity to successfully put forward necessary legislation for what is known to make a difference.”

The full report by WalletHub, available here, provides a detailed analysis of the metrics used and further insights into the conditions faced by underprivileged children across the United States.

New Mexico’s kids among the most underprivileged in the U.S. Read More »

Heinrich and Vasquez silent on the extreme Harris/Walz energy plan

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Since Kamala Harris emerged as the presumptive Democrat nominee on July 21, following the ouster of Joe Biden, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, both far-left Democrats facing tough reelection races in November, have yet to comment on her energy platform. This silence is particularly notable given the massive role that the oil and gas industry plays in New Mexico’s economy, contributing $11.3 billion annually and providing employment for 100,000 residents.

Despite the pressing concerns from their constituents regarding Harris’ stance on the Green New Deal and her purported shift on a fracking ban, Heinrich and Vasquez have not made their positions clear on her policies. This comes as global financial markets experience major turbulence, including yesterday, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 1,000 points.

“When it comes to issues that matter, Martin Heinrich and Gabe Vasquez are taking a cowardly vow of silence,” stated Larry Behrens, Communications Director for the pro-energy group Power The Future. 

He emphasized the urgent need for these leaders to clarify whether they support Harris’ energy policies, which are critical to the state’s economic stability and growth. “As fears of recession spread across the globe, Martin Heinrich and Gabe Vasquez need to be honest about if they agree with Kamala Harris or not on the industry that powers their state’s economy and well-being. Every day they remain silent is more proof they want to be politicians instead of leaders.”

Power The Future, a 501c4 non-profit organization, is dedicated to advocating for American energy workers. The group highlights the essential role of the energy sector, particularly in states like New Mexico where oil and gas are pivotal to economic prosperity.

The Harris energy plan has sparked intense debate, particularly her endorsement of the Green New Deal and her evolving stance on fracking. The Green New Deal, which aims for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources, has been both lauded for its environmental aspirations and criticized for potential economic disruptions, especially in energy-dependent regions. 

Harris’ position on fracking, a contentious issue, has also been a focal point. Initially supporting a ban, her alleged reversal raises questions about the future of this practice under her leadership.

Her vice-presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is openly anti-fracking under all circumstances.

For New Mexico, where the oil and gas industry is not just an economic driver but a source of thousands of jobs, the implications of Harris’ energy policies are profound. The state’s reliance on this sector means that any drastic policy changes could significantly impact its financial health and employment rates.

The silence from Heinrich and Vasquez on these issues is thus more than a political oversight; it is a matter of public concern.

In contrast, the global financial markets are currently in a state of flux, adding another layer of complexity. As fears of a recession loom, decisive leadership and clear communication from elected officials become even more critical. The remarks from Behrens underscore the urgency for Heinrich and Vasquez to step forward and provide the necessary leadership on these pivotal issues.

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NM Gas Co. parent company making big change

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The parent company of New Mexico’s largest natural gas utility is set to be sold to a private equity firm in 2025, as announced by both parties on Monday.

Emera, a Canadian energy company, plans to sell New Mexico Gas Co. to Bernhard Capital Partners for $1.252 billion, which includes $500 million in debt. This proposed transaction is pending approval from the state’s utility regulators.

According to a news release, the sale is anticipated to be finalized by late 2025 “but will not close before September 30, 2025, unless otherwise authorized” by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

Executives from Emera and Bernhard Capital Partners stated on Monday that they intend to jointly apply for the commission’s approval in the upcoming months.

Jeff Jenkins, founder of Bernhard Capital Partners, mentioned that his firm would “basically step right into Emera’s shoes,” assuring that New Mexico Gas Co. customers should not notice significant changes post-acquisition.

Bernhard Capital Partners, relatively new to the gas distribution sector, acquired its first gas utilities in 2023 from CenterPoint Energy, serving Mississippi and Louisiana, and from Entergy in Louisiana.

Jenkins emphasized, “Rates will stay the same, operations will stay the same, the management team will stay the same, and it will all be local,” and noted that the acquisition would create 70 new jobs within the company.

Bernhard Capital Partners has investments in 20 different companies nationwide. Recently, it acquired Albuquerque-based Strategic Management Solutions, which provides management and technical consulting services to nuclear programs, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

“We like the regulated utility space, and it’s a long-term play,” Jenkins said. “We’re going to be a long holder in this particular investment.”

New Mexico Gas Co. recently received approval from the Public Regulation Commission for a rate hike, increasing monthly household bills by an average of $4.21 starting October 1. The utility also settled with environmental and consumer advocacy groups to eliminate additional credit card fees and higher monthly fees initially requested from regulators.

Earlier this year, the commission denied a request from New Mexico Gas Co. to build and operate a liquefied natural gas storage facility in Rio Rancho, which would have cost over $180 million.

Emera CEO Scott Balfour stated that selling New Mexico Gas Co. “strengthens Emera’s balance sheet, supports our ambitious capital plan, and reinforces our strategic decision to optimize our portfolio and reallocate capital to our highest growth markets to drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

Balfour noted that Emera had announced its plan to divest assets to shareholders in late 2023. With the sale of New Mexico Gas Co. and Emera’s interest in a Canadian electric transmission asset sold in June, the company will have achieved its goals.

New Mexico Gas Co. serves over 545,000 customers across the state. Emera acquired the company in 2016, along with two others in Florida, through the purchase of TECO Energy. Since then, New Mexico Gas Co. has expanded to serve approximately 30,000 additional customers.

Louisiana-based Bernhard Capital Partners describes itself as a “services and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm” managing over $4 billion in gross assets.

NM Gas Co. parent company making big change Read More »

MLG squanders more taxpayer cash trying to lure pro-abortion docs. to NM

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Advertisements in Sunday’s Austin American-Statesman, Dallas Morning News, and Fort Worth Star-Telegram invite pro-abortion Texas medical professionals to consider relocating to New Mexico due to Texas’ life-affirming laws that protect women, babies in the womb, and medical professionals.

These taxpayer-funded ads feature an open letter from far-left, pro-abortion Democrat New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, urging pro-abortion Texas doctors to move to New Mexico if they are unable to practice under Texas’ life-affirming laws. Similar advertisements have appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.

“I know that legal restrictions on healthcare in Texas have created a heavy burden for medical practitioners—especially those of you now barred by law from providing the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare,” the letter states. “It must be distressing that a draconian abortion ban has restricted your right to practice and turned it into a political weapon.”

Additionally, six billboards with the message “free to provide” have been placed around the Houston Medical Center, encouraging medical professionals to relocate to New Mexico.

In her letter, Grisham emphasizes that New Mexico lawmakers are “fiercely committed to protecting medical freedoms here and we’re taking steps to ensure that what happened in Texas never happens in New Mexico.”

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, Texas passed a law protecting life in the womb, with exceptions. This law has led to a 99.89% decrease in abortions in the state. Multiple legal challenges have been filed, but the Texas Supreme Court rejected one such lawsuit in May.

Abortion remains legal up to the date of birth in New Mexico. Recently, Gov. Grisham has taken steps to push for Texans to abort their young in New Mexico, including legislation firming up the state’s pro-abortion up-to-birth laws. 

Gov. Grisham has also allocated $10 million to establish a new abortion facility near the Texas border, which Democrats rammed through in 2023’s capital outlay bill, despite Republican and Democrat opposition.

“You have my word: I will never interfere with the fundamental right of health workers to care for their patients in New Mexico,” Grisham wrote, despite during COVID-19 forcibly jabbing nurses, doctors, residents, and all other medical professionals, or they would lose their jobs.

She also interfered with bodily autonomy in a myriad of ways, including lockdowns and mask mandates that carried heavy fines for noncompliance, among other draconian measures that heavily restricted New Mexicans’ bodily autonomy.

“Whether you are a nurse, a resident, a physician assistant, or a doctor, we cordially and enthusiastically invite you to the Land of Enchantment, where you are free to care for your patients.”

On the New Mexico Department of Health website, pregnant children are encouraged to abort their babies in the womb, with it reading, “Abortion is legal in New Mexico. People over the age of 13 can get an abortion without permission from their parents.”

MLG squanders more taxpayer cash trying to lure pro-abortion docs. to NM Read More »

See how favorable Trump and Harris are in New Mexico, according to polls

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The polling company Civiqs conducts periodical polls showing favorability for 45th President Donald Trump, the Republican 2024 presidential nominee, and Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. 

According to the latest poll in New Mexico from August 1, 2024, Trump is rated 43 percent favorably among all likely voters and 53 percent unfavorably, with four percent of those polls undecided.

According to the latest numbers from July 28, 2024, Harris has a 36 percent favorability rating and a 56 percent unfavorability rating among New Mexico voters. This factored in her minor bump following Joe Biden’s ouster as the Democrats’ presidential candidate.

Thus, Trump has a seven percent edge over Harris in terms of favorability. Among independent voters, Harris has a 20 percent favorability rating and a 70 percent unfavorability rating, while Trump has a 50 percent favorability rating and a 43 percent unfavorability rating, meaning he has a +23 percent edge on Harris among independents. According to the latest registration statistics, independents or declined-to-state voters make up 23.4 percent of all those registered in New Mexico.

Among Hispanics, Harris is 39 percent favorable and 51 percent unfavorable. Trump is 44 percent favorable, while 53 percent see him unfavorably. Overall, Trump edges Harris by five points in this category.

With Harris being thrown on the ticket following Biden’s late exit from the race and Harris’ vast unfavorability with key demographics, Trump and other Republicans, such as U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici, have a shot at flipping the Land of Enchantment red in November if they can energize voters to come in droves to the polls and outperform any election-related chicanery that may come from the left. 

To see the survey on Trump, click here, and to see the survey on Harris, click here. Civiqs is rated 2.5 out of 3 stars on Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight pollster ratings.

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KOAT 7 slaps Heinrich with cold, hard facts after fake attack ad on Domenici

38 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich recently launched an attack ad targeting his opponent, Republican Nella Domenici, in the race for U.S. Senate. The ad, currently airing in the Albuquerque television market, claims that Domenici “hadn’t lived in New Mexico since 1973, back when Richard Nixon was president,” in an apparent attempt to hide his own lack of connection with the state. However, an investigation by KOAT 7 News reveals that this claim is false.

Key Claims Examined

In the ad, Heinrich’s campaign suggests that Domenici is not genuinely connected to New Mexico, labeling her as an outsider. The ad states, “Wall Street’s got enough senators. We need one who will fight for us.” Political analyst Brian Sanderoff believes the objective of the ad is to paint Domenici as an outsider attempting to buy a Senate seat, contrasting Heinrich’s previous campaign strategy of largely ignoring his opponent.

The Facts

Claim: Domenici Hasn’t Lived in New Mexico Since 1973

KOAT 7 News found this claim to be false. While Domenici owns properties in Connecticut and New York, she also owns a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Records indicate that she and her husband have owned the Santa Fe property since at least 2006, maintaining it as their New Mexico residence for nearly two decades.

Claim: Domenici’s Properties

The ad also claims Domenici lives in a waterfront mansion in Connecticut and owns a $5 million apartment in New York City. KOAT 7 confirmed these claims as true. Domenici purchased the Connecticut property for $4.1 million in 2017, and her New York apartment, located on 5th Avenue, was bought for $8.6 million in 2015, now valued at approximately $9.7 million — a rather wise investment, increasing in value by over 12.7 percent or over $1 million. 

Shameless Irony of Heinrich’s Background

Adding an ironic twist, Heinrich himself was not born in New Mexico. He hails from Nebraska and was raised in Missouri, only moving to New Mexico as a graduate student at the University of New Mexico. 

“There is some irony in Heinrich’s ad. He himself was not born in New Mexico. He is originally from Nebraska and was raised in Missouri. He came to New Mexico when he became a graduate student at UNM,” the outlet reported.

Although his campaign asserts that “he has lived in Albuquerque ever since,” Heinrich currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland—not in New Mexico. As widely reported after Heinrich was elected to Congress over a decade ago, Heinrich moved his entire family to primarily live in Maryland. 

Slapped with Facts

KOAT 7’s investigation highlights that the core claim of Heinrich’s ad, which asserts that Domenici has not lived in New Mexico since 1973, is demonstrably false. Domenici’s long-standing connection to New Mexico, including her longtime ownership of a home in Santa Fe, contradicts the narrative portrayed in the ad.

KOAT 7 slaps Heinrich with cold, hard facts after fake attack ad on Domenici Read More »

As Lujan Grisham mandates EVs, sales continue to crater

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration in New Mexico has faced significant criticism for its focus on electric vehicle (EV) mandates while the state struggles with increasing crime rates. The governor’s ambitious plan requires that 43% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2026, a target that appears increasingly unrealistic given current trends in EV adoption and the state’s pressing public safety concerns, per the Rio Grande Foundation.

Recent data indicates that consumer interest in EVs in New Mexico is lukewarm, with EV registrations declining to 4.59% in the first quarter of 2024. This is significantly lower than the state’s ambitious target and suggests a disconnect between the administration’s goals and consumer preferences. Critics argue that the high cost of EVs, coupled with a lack of infrastructure, makes them inaccessible to many residents, especially given New Mexico’s median household income of around $56,420, which falls below the average cost of an EV​​.

This issue is not unique to New Mexico. Similar trends have been observed in other states with stringent EV mandates, such as Washington, where sales have also fallen short of targets. The challenge of pushing EVs in a market where consumer interest is tepid raises questions about the practicality of such mandates​​.

Moreover, the focus on EVs comes at a time when New Mexico faces significant crime-related issues. The state has seen rising crime rates, and many residents feel that public safety should be a more immediate priority. 

Gov. Lujan Grisham called a special legislative session to address these concerns, proposing measures such as changes to the state’s criminal competency laws and increased penalties for certain offenses, but within five hours, Democrats moved to adjourn without passing any meaningful crime measures except the bill to fund the session, which tacked on funds for assisted outpatient treatment. 

However, the governor’s EV push has overshadowed these efforts, leading to criticism that her administration’s priorities are misplaced​​.

Local car dealers also face challenges due to the mandate, as they are now forced to pivot toward selling EVs despite consumers not wanting to buy them. This situation could impact sales and profitability, particularly in a state where many residents may not have the financial means to purchase higher-cost EVs, not to mention the state being so rural, that EVs are not practical for traveling long distances. 

As New Mexico approaches the deadline for the EV mandate, uncertainty looms. However, it is clear that people do not want to buy these vehicles.

As Lujan Grisham mandates EVs, sales continue to crater Read More »

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