New Mexico

Maxeon Solar’s collapse threatens Lujan Grisham’s solar energy dream

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s expensive $600 million taxpayer-backed solar project continues to face growing concerns as Maxeon Solar, the company behind the initiative, announced disappointing financial projections for the third quarter of 2024. 

Maxeon, which was chosen to build a new solar manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, revealed it expects a “significant decline” in sales, and its stock has plummeted to just 9 cents per share. This development comes more than a year after Governor Lujan Grisham proudly touted Maxeon’s investment as a major win for New Mexico’s renewable energy sector.

In August 2023, the Governor celebrated Maxeon’s plans to establish a manufacturing hub, promising that the project would break ground by the first quarter of 2024. 

However, more than halfway through the year, construction on the facility has yet to begin, casting doubt on the viability of the project and the prudence of the state’s substantial financial backing of the initiative.

Critics argue that the Governor’s administration rushed through the approval process without adequately vetting the financial stability of Maxeon Solar. 

Larry Behrens, Communications Director for the pro-energy group Power The Future, expressed frustration at the lack of oversight. “New Mexico’s taxpayers should not be spending a single penny, which is about all Maxeon is worth these days, on this boondoggle,” Behrens stated. 

“It’s now even more clear that the Governor and her cronies who rushed this project through the approval process were so blinded by their agenda that they applied zero scrutiny. New Mexicans deserve better leaders than those who make bad deals and offer false promises.”

Power The Future, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting American energy workers, has been a vocal critic of the Governor’s renewable energy policies, arguing that they prioritize political optics over sound economic judgment. In addition to Governor Lujan Grisham, the project was initially celebrated by prominent New Mexico politicians including Senator Martin Heinrich, Congressman Gabe Vasquez, and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury.

As Maxeon Solar struggles to meet its targets and deliver on its promises, New Mexico taxpayers are left questioning whether their investment in this project will yield any of the economic or environmental benefits that were originally promised.

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Lujan Grisham breaking ground on $10M taxpayer-funded abortion center

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Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will be traveling to Las Cruces to mark the groundbreaking of a new taxpayer-funded abortion center, made possible by $10 million in taxpayer money rushed through the Legislature in 2023. 

The facility, located in Doña Ana County, is a key part of her administration’s response to the rising demand for abortion services following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. 

Since that ruling, states like Texas have enacted strict bans on abortion, pushing many out-of-state residents to seek services in New Mexico, where the procedure remains legal.

The $10 million allocated for the clinic was included in the 2023 capital outlay bill, which became a source of contention during the legislative session. 

The funding was rammed through the process, forcing bipartisan legislators to vote against the broader bill due to the inclusion of this particular expenditure. 

Many see the move as unnecessarily divisive, pointing to the fact that New Mexico already had several abortion facilities serving the area​, and the abortion mill will merely be Texas’ back-alley abortion facility. 

While Governor Lujan Grisham has positioned the new clinic as part of her broader commitment to “protecting women’s health,” which doesn’t actually do anything but end children’s lives, many New Mexicans see it as a misallocation of taxpayer dollars that will exacerbate tensions over abortion access in the region, while Texas has life-affirming laws in place. 

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After abandoning, denying border crisis, MLG now touts her actions

23 Comments / New Mexico / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing renewed criticism for her approach to the border crisis, as she remains the only border state governor who has refused to allocate state resources to help alleviate the ongoing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite the significant challenges posed by illegal immigration and human trafficking, Lujan Grisham continues to avoid addressing the root causes of the crisis, as evidenced by her recent Operation Disruption press release, where not once did she mention the word “border” in her press release.

While Operation Disruption, which took place over 12 days in August, reportedly led to the identification of 33 stash houses and the rescue of 91 migrants, critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s selective focus on human trafficking operations fails to address the broader border security concerns that plague New Mexico. 

The governor lauded the operation as a “coordinated effort to combat human trafficking and organized crime in southern New Mexico,” but her unwillingness to commit state resources to assist in border control has left many questioning the sincerity of her commitment.

She previously claimed, “I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the Southern border,” calling addressing the crisis a “charade of border fear-mongering.”

In stark contrast to her counterparts in Texas and Arizona, who have proactively deployed state resources to manage the influx of migrants and assist federal authorities, or California, which is expending resources to alleviate the flow of deadly fentanyl, Lujan Grisham continues to distance her administration from any comprehensive border security efforts. Despite acknowledging the severity of human trafficking and organized crime, she remains silent on the broader border issues fueling these crimes, including open-border policies of the Lujan Grisham and Biden-Harris regimes.

Critics also highlight that while the governor boasts about the results of Operation Disruption—735 traffic stops, 16 arrests, and the rescue of a woman found in life-threatening conditions—her refusal to engage with border security more broadly leaves New Mexico vulnerable to further exploitation by criminal networks. The governor’s press release made no mention of the word “border,” reflecting her ongoing reluctance to confront the deeper issues at play.

Lujan Grisham’s stance has led to frustration among border communities and law enforcement officials who are struggling to manage the consequences of her inaction. While other border state governors have made concerted efforts to strengthen border security, Lujan Grisham’s refusal to act not only leaves New Mexico exposed but also places a heavier burden on local authorities to deal with the fallout from unchecked illegal immigration and trafficking.

The governor’s recent re-establishment of the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission in May 2023, while touted as a step forward, has done little to satisfy critics who see it as a symbolic gesture during election season rather than a serious commitment to addressing the ongoing border crisis. She has not addressed the issue since her initial inaugaraiton in 2019. Until Lujan Grisham acknowledges the role the border plays in New Mexico’s security issues, her efforts will likely be viewed as insufficient and out of touch with the reality facing her state.

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Judge rules NM officials, including SOS, discriminated against GOP group

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A federal judge ruled that the Democrat New Mexico election officials and prosecutors discriminated against a Republican-aligned group by denying them access to voter registration data. 

The Friday decision prevents the state from withholding voter data from the Voter Reference Foundation, a group that aims to create a free database of registered voters to allow individuals and organizations to investigate potential irregularities or fraud.

New Mexico state prosecutors intend to appeal the decision, according to Lauren Rodriguez, spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Justice.

Following the ruling, the VoteRef.com website, managed by the Voter Reference Foundation, reinstated New Mexico’s voter information to its database. The searchable database includes details such as street addresses, party affiliations, and voting participation. This has raised concerns among election officials and privacy advocates, who argue that such access could lead to voter intimidation or disenfranchisement, as people may choose to remove their registration to protect their private information.

However, U.S. District Court Judge James Browning found that New Mexico’s refusal to provide the data constituted discrimination based on viewpoint and a violation of free speech rights. He criticized the state for involving prosecutors in what should have been a straightforward public information matter.

The VoteRef.com database spans more than 32 states and the District of Columbia and is run by Gina Swoboda, chair of the Arizona Republican Party and a former organizer for Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign in Arizona.

Judge Browning had previously ruled that New Mexico officials violated the National Voter Registration Act by not sharing voter rolls, despite a state law that limits the use of such data. The VoteRef.com site maintains confidentiality on whom individuals voted for and offers protections for victims of domestic violence or stalking. Additionally, more than 100 elected or appointed officials in New Mexico, both Democrats and Republicans, have their addresses shielded under a safety program created after a series of drive-by shootings targeting lawmakers’ homes in late 2022 and early 2023.

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Keller drops big hint about his political future

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Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, a far-left Democrat, has made it clear that he’s eyeing another term in office, stating his intention to remain in power to see through various projects. “It’s no secret I am planning on another term, but it’s to see this through,” Keller remarked on Thursday. 

He added, “I always say, like, 2027 is going to be a great year because all these projects I’ve been working on are going to be done, but I got to make sure I’m there to see it, so that’s what I’m thinking right now.”

Keller emphasized ongoing efforts to improve public safety and quality of life in Albuquerque, acknowledging that much remains to be done. However, critics might question whether these efforts have been as effective as Keller suggests, especially given the persistent issues the city faces.

The mayor also highlighted homelessness as a significant concern, pointing to initiatives like the Gateway Center, which currently shelters 900 people daily, as examples of supposed “progress. 

KOAT Political Expert Brian Sanderoff expressed little surprise at Keller’s announcement, noting that it’s common for politicians eyeing another term to stay fully engaged. “Oftentimes when a person decides he’s not going to run again, they start acting a little differently or be less engaged in the like or start thinking about other offices they might be considering,” Sanderoff observed.

Should Keller proceed with his plans, he would join a small group of Albuquerque mayors who have sought a third consecutive term. However, some residents may wonder if his prolonged far-left leadership is what the city truly needs or if fresh ideas and approaches are overdue.

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Biden-Harris court fail a victory for women’s rights in many NM schools

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The recent court rulings regarding Title IX have significant implications for New Mexico schools, particularly in light of the Biden-Harris administration’s controversial rules. These rules, which sought to expand supposed protections against “sex discrimination” to include “gender identity,” have faced righteous opposition from conservative groups who argue that they infringe upon parental rights and compromise the safety of women and girls.

In response, 26 Republican-led states, including several schools in New Mexico, have successfully challenged the implementation of these radical rules. Thanks to these court challenges, six schools in New Mexico—three colleges and three K-12 institutions—are now exempt from enforcing the new Title IX regulations. This number is expected to grow as more schools join the legal battle.

The Biden administration’s Title IX rules, which went into effect on August 1, have been particularly contentious due to their requirement that schools allow “transgender” students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their “gender identity” and to participate in sports teams that match said chosen identity. 

Those who protect women’s rights argue that these policies jeopardize the privacy and safety of female students and create an unfair playing field in women’s sports, as evidenced in many sporting events, such as the Olympics, where women have been beaten to a pulp by biological men, in many cases, forcing them to forfeit.

Riley Gaines, a prominent women’s rights leader and former 12-time NCAA All-American athlete who was unfairly beaten by a biological man, visited New Mexico earlier this year to advocate for women’s rights.

The court’s decision to block the implementation of these rules at certain New Mexico schools is seen as a victory for those who believe that Title IX should protect the rights of women and girls as it was originally intended.

 The rulings mean that schools like New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico University’s Roswell campus, and Central New Mexico Community College will continue to operate under the 2020 Title IX rules established during the Trump administration, which did not include the expanded protections for “gender identity.”

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Amid Heinrich’s lies, Domenici puts him on notice

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In a bold move against dishonest campaign tactics, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici has issued a cease and desist letter via her attorneys to her Democrat opponent, Sen. Martin Heinrich, accusing his campaign of disseminating false and defamatory information. The letter, sent on Friday, takes aim at a television advertisement produced by Heinrich’s campaign, which falsely asserts that Domenici supports a national abortion ban—an accusation Domenici vehemently denies.

The letter, addressed to Heinrich’s campaign manager, Brad Elkins, outlines the clear and consistent position Domenici has taken on the issue of abortion. According to the cease and desist letter, Domenici’s stance is widely publicized that she does not support a national abortion ban. This stance, prominently featured on her campaign website, is backed by her appearances in television commercials, public speeches, radio interviews, and articles in reputable news outlets.

Domenici’s legal team, led by attorney Anna Mackin, argues that Heinrich’s advertisement is not only false but also deliberately misleading, intended to deceive New Mexico voters as the November 2024 election approaches. “By disseminating false statements about Ms. Domenici’s position, Heinrich is misleading New Mexico voters and is contributing to the public’s skepticism about truth in the media,” Mackin wrote. The letter highlights that even Heinrich’s own campaign materials acknowledge Domenici’s opposition to a federal abortion ban, making the ad’s claims particularly egregious.

The letter also calls for Heinrich to cease airing the ad and any other misleading materials immediately and to issue a public apology to Domenici for what her campaign describes as an “intentional, malicious misrepresentation” of her views. Failure to comply, the letter warns, could result in legal action against Heinrich’s campaign for knowingly spreading false and defamatory information.

This is not the first time Heinrich’s campaign has been accused of employing dishonest tactics. Domenici’s letter references a previous incident where Heinrich was caught disseminating false information about her positions, drawing criticism from local media outlets. This latest incident, however, marks a significant escalation, with Domenici’s legal team formally challenging Heinrich’s campaign in a public and legal forum.

The letter underscores the importance of honesty and transparency in political advertising, especially on sensitive issues like abortion. Domenici’s campaign contends that such falsehoods not only damage the integrity of the electoral process but also contribute to voter cynicism and distrust. “New Mexico voters deserve the freedom to make informed decisions on Election Day,” Mackin stated, emphasizing that Heinrich’s shady tactics undermine this fundamental democratic principle.

As the November 2024 election draws nearer, the stakes are high for both candidates. Domenici, who has built her campaign on a platform of integrity and service, views Heinrich’s actions as a direct threat to the democratic process. Her response signals a willingness to fight back against what she perceives as underhanded tactics, setting the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle if Heinrich does not retract the ad.

Recent polls show Heinrich neck-and-neck with Domenici, likely triggering his campaign’s string of untrue, patently false ads against Domenici.

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Is NM ready for a ‘polar coaster’ winter? Here’s what the Farmer’s Almanac says

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As New Mexicans prepare for the 2024-2025 fall and winter seasons, the Farmer’s Almanac offers a forecast that suggests a season of stark contrasts and potentially severe weather conditions. Both the 2024 and upcoming 2025 editions provide critical insights into what residents should expect.

2024 Fall and Winter: A Rollercoaster of Weather

The 2024 edition of the Farmer’s Almanac predicts that New Mexico will experience a warm start to fall, with above-average temperatures extending into September and October. This extended warmth could offer a welcome respite before the winter months set in. However, the Almanac warns that this warmth will not last, as a significant shift is expected as the season progresses into winter.

As November and December approach, the weather is anticipated to take a drastic turn. The Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a harsh winter for New Mexico, characterized by colder temperatures and above-average snowfall, particularly in the higher elevations. This increase in snowfall could lead to challenging conditions, especially for those in mountainous regions where road closures and hazardous travel conditions may become common.

One of the most striking predictions for the 2024-2025 winter season is the potential for a “polar coaster” effect. This term, coined by the Farmer’s Almanac, refers to rapid and extreme fluctuations in temperature. New Mexico could see intense cold snaps followed by sudden warm-ups, creating a rollercoaster of weather patterns that could be particularly challenging for agriculture and infrastructure.

“Predictions for the desert southwest region, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, vary slightly from the overall forecast with colder-than-normal temperatures. Aside from the month of January, which is predicted to be 3 degrees above average, November, December, February, and March are expected to be below average in temperature,” reports one outlet.

Looking Ahead: What the 2025 Farmer’s Almanac Says

While the 2024 Farmer’s Almanac sets the stage for a winter of extremes, early insights from the 2025 edition suggest that these volatile patterns might continue into the early part of the new year. The Almanac hints at the possibility of continued unpredictable weather, with potential for late-season snowstorms that could extend winter well into March or even April of 2025. This could further strain resources and impact everything from agriculture to daily commutes.

Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life

These predictions are particularly concerning for New Mexico’s agricultural sector. Crops sensitive to sudden temperature changes could be at risk, and livestock might face additional stress during extreme cold periods. The state’s infrastructure, particularly in rural and mountainous areas, could also be challenged by the forecasted weather patterns, with increased risks of ice-related accidents and road closures.

Preparation is Key

With the Farmer’s Almanac offering these insights, New Mexicans are advised to start preparing for the upcoming winter. Ensuring that homes are winterized, vehicles are equipped for icy conditions, and emergency supplies are stocked will be essential steps in navigating the season safely.

As always, while the Farmer’s Almanac provides valuable guidance based on historical data and meteorological analysis, it’s crucial for residents to stay updated with real-time weather forecasts and be ready for anything that the fall and winter of 2024-2025 might bring. The combination of warm autumn days followed by potentially severe winter conditions underscores the importance of preparation and resilience in the face of New Mexico’s unpredictable weather.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article referred to “changing climate. ” However, it did not refer to “climate change,” a conspiracy peddled by the far left, which the Piñon Post does not agree with. Regardless, the article has been updated to reflect the point more correctly.

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Starbucks under fire in Taos—literally! What’s sparking the outrage?

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After two incidents of arson at a Starbucks construction site in Taos, New Mexico, a determined developer is making another attempt to establish the town’s first drive-through location for the coffee giant. The small community of 6,500, known for its history of resistance to outside influences, has given the would-be Starbucks the moniker “Charbucks.” In response to the attacks, a construction firm from Albuquerque has bolstered security with video surveillance and an on-site guard stationed in a camouflaged trailer.

The planned Starbucks, which the company aims to open by the spring of 2025, has sparked a range of reactions among locals. Just a short distance away, patrons at World Cup, one of Taos’ oldest independent coffee shops, remain guarded in their comments. One local, Todd Lazar, expressed his thoughts, saying, “We don’t know who did it, but we loved it,” reflecting the sentiment that national chains like Starbucks are unwelcome intrusions into the town’s unique culture.

Opposition to Starbucks in Taos mirrors the criticisms the chain has faced globally, with detractors arguing that it threatens local businesses and drains money from communities. Stickers opposing the Starbucks, featuring the company’s mermaid logo engulfed in flames with the face replaced by La Calavera Catrina—a figure associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead—have appeared on local businesses.

The site of the intended Starbucks has been marred by two fires, the first in August 2023, followed by another in October. The initial attack left the words “NO” (preceded by an expletive) spray-painted on the partially burned structure. 

Sylvia Rodriguez, an emerita professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico, described Taos as a “dynamic and volatile contact zone,” reflecting the town’s complex cultural landscape and historical resistance to outside influence. Despite these challenges, the Taos town council has supported the Starbucks project, viewing it as a source of jobs and tax revenue. However, local business owners like Andrea Meyer argue that jobs aren’t the issue, but rather the lack of affordable housing that forces many workers out of the area.

Following the second arson attack, two or three national chains reconsidered their plans to set up shop in Taos, according to Christopher Larsen, the town’s economic development director. He noted that the prevailing sentiment is that “Taos doesn’t want corporate America.”

Starbucks, a wake corporation, has emphasized the safety of its employees as a top priority. While no injuries are reported from the fires, the company plans to work closely with local law enforcement once the store opens. The town has offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the fires, but so far, no arrests have been made, though authorities believe they have identified suspects.

Pablo Flores, owner of the Coffee Apothecary in Taos, expressed a mix of dismay at the growing presence of national chains and condemnation of the violent actions against them. Flores urged those unhappy with Taos’ changes to simply not support such businesses rather than resort to destruction, emphasizing, “Don’t burn it down, that’s not cool.”

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One New Mexican dead as listeria outbreak tied to popular deli meat brand

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Nine people have tragically died following a listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, federal health authorities reported on Wednesday. The outbreak, which has led to the largest recall of its kind since 2011, has also sickened at least 57 individuals, many of whom required hospitalization.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that fatalities have occurred in South Carolina, Florida, New Mexico, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia. The CDC also reported that cases began emerging in late May and have continued into August. The source of the outbreak was traced back to a sample of Boar’s Head liverwurst collected in Maryland, which tested positive for the strain of listeria responsible for the illnesses.

Listeria, a resilient bacterium capable of surviving in refrigerated environments, poses a significant risk, particularly to older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. According to the CDC, listeria infections affect approximately 1,600 people annually in the U.S., resulting in about 260 deaths. The symptoms of listeria poisoning can vary, appearing quickly after consumption or taking up to 10 weeks to manifest.

Boar’s Head responded to the outbreak by initiating a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli products, including liverwurst and other meats intended for slicing at deli counters. Initially, the recall targeted products with sell-by dates from late July to the end of August. However, it was soon expanded to include all items produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, facility. These products, which were distributed nationwide and internationally, have since been removed from stores.

The Wordsmith, Wiki Commons.

The CDC has urged consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled products, identified by the USDA inspection mark EST. 12612 or P-12612. Affected items should be discarded immediately, and any surfaces they contacted should be thoroughly sanitized.

One of the victims, Gunter “Garshon” Morgenstein, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor and former celebrity hairstylist, passed away from a listeria-induced brain infection after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst. His son, Garshon Morgenstein, expressed his grief over the senselessness of the tragedy, emphasizing that his father had “many good years left.” The family has since engaged legal representation to seek justice.

As investigations continue, Boar’s Head remains committed to working with authorities to ensure the safety of its products. The CDC has highlighted the importance of awareness and caution when dealing with potentially contaminated foods.

The New Mexico Department of Health, in a press release, wrote, “The death of an elderly Bernalillo County woman has been connected to a multistate outbreak of Listeria caused by Boar’s Head brand deli meats – which were ordered to be pulled from public sale nationwide by federal health officials last month. Find the full recalled product list here.” 

“The New Mexico Environment Department reports Boar’s Head deli meats have been removed from all New Mexican grocery stores on the manufacturer’s distribution list,” it continued.

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