Politics

As MLG mandates EVs, NM’s ‘incentives’ pale in comparison to other states

16 Comments / New Mexico, Politics / By

New Mexico offers various taxpayer-funded incentives to push expensive electric vehicles (EVs) and benefit the wealthy who can afford them, but how do these programs compare to those in other states? While New Mexico’s incentives are appealing, they thankfully lag behind more aggressive measures in other regions.

New Mexico’s Powering New Mexico initiative provides a $500 credit for installing Level 2 EV charging stations and up to $1,500 in installation assistance. For income-eligible residents, the state also offers an additional $750 rebate for purchasing a charger and up to $3,500 to help offset installation costs. Utility companies like Xcel Energy and El Paso Electric sweeten the deal with rebates for dedicated circuits and discounts for charging during off-peak hours. 

The average cost of a traditional electric vehicle is $56,648, while the average electric truck costs around ​​$74,868. 

While these taxpayer-funded subsidies minimally reduce the cost of the expensive EV, which costs more to maintain, they pale in comparison to more aggressive programs in states like California and Colorado. California, for example, offers up to $7,500 in rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and low-income residents can stack federal and state rebates to receive over $30,000 in total incentives. California also provides significant rebates for installing home chargers, with some local programs offering up to $2,000 for EV charging equipment.

Colorado’s rebate program is also particularly generous, offering up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an EV and up to $12,000 for heavy-duty electric trucks. Colorado also offers additional support for low-income residents, providing up to $6,000 toward the purchase of a new EV through its Vehicle Exchange Colorado program, along with rebates for installing home charging stations.

New Mexico’s incentives do not reach the levels seen in these states. In comparison, the Land of Enchantment’s rebate caps are relatively low.

Another key issue is the impact on taxpayers. In states like California and Colorado, EV incentives are designed to target a wide range of residents, from low-income to high-earning households. However, New Mexico’s programs seem to disproportionately benefit those who can already afford high-priced electric vehicles while leaving lower-income residents with fewer options. EVs remain expensive, and without substantial rebates, they are out of reach for many New Mexicans — but most consumers, regardless of income, are not interested in EVs despite mandates by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to push them on the populous. 

Additionally, New Mexico’s incentives for home charging infrastructure are smaller than those in other states, which means residents may still face significant out-of-pocket costs to install charging stations. In contrast, California’s robust local programs often cover much of the cost for home charging stations, particularly for low-income households.

As MLG mandates EVs, NM’s ‘incentives’ pale in comparison to other states Read More »

Border Patrol arrests terrorist bomb maker in NM, second suspect on the run

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico has become a focal point for security concerns, as it serves as a crossing point for criminal and terrorist aliens attempting to enter the United States. 

Recently, law enforcement in New Mexico arrested a Palestinian man at the border who was previously convicted in Israel for making bombs. 

The man, who had served 20 months in an Israeli prison for his involvement in terrorism, was apprehended as he tried to cross into the U.S. through the southern border.

The arrest is raising alarms among law enforcement agencies, as it highlights the potential for terrorists to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. border security system. According to sources, the search continues for another suspect believed to have terrorist ties, sparking concerns about whether more such individuals could successfully enter the U.S. unnoticed.

One key issue raised by local law enforcement is the lack of communication between federal agencies and regional police forces. News reports have indicated that while Border Patrol agents were alerted to the potential threat posed by bomb makers attempting to cross the border, local authorities were not informed in advance. 

This has led to frustration among local officials who feel they are not receiving the critical intelligence needed to protect their communities effectively.

New Mexico, with its vast, difficult-to-monitor terrain, is increasingly being seen as a hub for illegal crossings by criminal elements, including those with terrorist connections. 

The arrest of the Palestinian bomb maker is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges at the southern border and the need for better coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement to prevent further incidents. New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has refused calls to send resources down to the border to apprehend criminal aliens, terrorist aliens, and the flow of deadly fentanyl.

The hunt for the second suspect continues as security concerns mount.

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Pro-gun group takes on Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional gun ban

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has filed a critical brief with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in its ongoing lawsuit, Fort v. Grisham, challenging New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s prohibition on carrying firearms in public parks and playgrounds. The detailed brief is available for review here.

This legal action follows a July 24th Order from the Tenth Circuit, which required the parties involved to submit supplemental briefs addressing three specific questions regarding the appeal’s posture. 

In response, FPC’s brief argues, “[A]fter accounting for the issues the Court has raised, it remains the case that the Court should reverse the decision below and order entry of an injunction against the challenged provisions of the Governor’s order.”

The brief highlights the ongoing harm caused by the Governor’s ban, stating, “Plaintiffs have also declared that they will visit parks that are not covered by those ordinances, and regardless, the threat of prosecution under the Governor’s carry ban alone supports irreparable harm and standing.” It emphasizes that the ban causes significant harm to the plaintiffs, which can be remedied through a preliminary injunction.

Oral arguments for the case are set for September 25, 2024. This case is a component of FPC’s high-impact FPC Law strategic litigation program, which aims to challenge and overturn what it views as immoral laws to promote maximal individual liberty. 

The litigation is supported by an individual FPC member, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association.

Firearms Policy Coalition is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to defending constitutional rights and advancing personal freedoms. Its FPC Law program is a leading legal initiative focused on restoring the right to keep and bear arms across the United States.

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Eco-left group launches latest attack on New Mexico ranchers

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an escalation of its campaign against cattle grazing in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains, the eco-left fringe group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has filed yet another frivolous lawsuit targeting the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lawsuit alleges that these federal agencies have failed to protect riparian areas and meadows from cattle, purportedly to benefit the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse—a species so elusive that there is no concrete evidence of its presence.

The Center’s lawsuit, which is the third in five years, is based on claims that federal agencies have repeatedly violated legal agreements to protect this endangered species and its habitat. However, the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse remains largely undocumented, with no recent verifiable sightings or evidence of its existence in these areas. The Center’s persistent legal battles raise questions about the real motivations behind their claims, which appear to be more about pushing an ideological agenda than addressing genuine conservation needs.

Robin Silver, co-founder of the Center, has framed the lawsuit as a fight against government neglect. “It’s outrageous that we’re forced back into court to make federal agencies fulfill their duty to protect endangered species,” Silver declared. But the focus on an ostensibly unseen mouse has severe consequences for the local ranching community, which relies on grazing in the Sacramento Mountains.

Ranchers in the region are already facing significant challenges, and this lawsuit threatens to exacerbate their struggles. The Center’s actions could lead to stricter grazing restrictions or outright bans, which would not only impact their livelihoods but could also disrupt the local economy. The Sacramento Mountains are not just a critical habitat for this unverified mouse; they are also essential for the communities that depend on them for agricultural activities.

The lawsuit accuses the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service of failing to protect the mouse’s habitat by allowing cattle grazing, which the Center claims destroys vital meadows and streambanks. Yet, the evidence for such destruction is questionable and often relies on outdated or misrepresented data.

While the Center insists that protecting these areas from grazing is crucial for the recovery of the jumping mouse, it overlooks the broader implications for the local ecosystem and economy. Cattle grazing, a longstanding practice in the region, has been targeted by the Center’s lawsuits despite its role in supporting the livelihoods of many local families.

In addition to its lack of tangible evidence for the presence of the jumping mouse, the Center’s litigation strategy raises concerns about its priorities. By focusing on legal battles over a species that has not been observed in recent years, the Center risks inflicting unnecessary harm on local ranchers and potentially undermining the balance of land management in the Sacramento Mountains.

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NM’s July voter registration stats look promising for GOP

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Registration statistics from New Mexico show that the number of Republicans is surging, at least in July, with a large number of new voters registered in the Land of Enchantment.

As Democrats continue infighting while lame-duck Biden stalls in the presidency and Kamala Harris attempts a shot at the White House, Democrats are slipping behind the GOP in new voter registrations.

1,233 new registered Republicans have appeared on the voter rolls, while Democrats only added 590 new voters in the same month.

Nationwide, it looks even more promising for Republicans, with a total of 252,794 new GOP voters added, while the Democrats lost 19,088 voters.

In California alone, Republicans added 94,667 voters while Democrats lost 43,733.

Democrats have reportedly lost 3.5 million voters since the contested 2020 election. Republicans have added a net 393,365 voters, while Democrats lost 3,584,321. New York and Pennsylvania have lost the most Democrats, with the Empire State Losing 410,386 and the Keystone State losing 329,289, respectively. 

New Mexico has lost 29,397 Democrats, while Republicans in the Land of Enchantment have lost only 3,963. 

With states like New Mexico in play for Republicans, momentum appears to be shifting toward the Grand Old Party.

In the state, the latest polls show Republican 45th President Donald Trump trailing Kamala Harris by a mere seven percent while Republican Nella Domenici is trailing U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich by only six points — showing the state is very much in play.

The latest voter registration data for New Mexico can be accessed here.

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems

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New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the U.S. Presidential Election approaches, New Mexico is emerging as a critical battleground state, with new polling data shedding light on both the presidential and U.S. Senate races. Redfield & Wilton Strategies, in collaboration with The Telegraph, recently included New Mexico in its Swing State Tracker Poll, highlighting its growing significance in the national political landscape.

In the presidential race, the latest poll between July 31 and August 3 reveals that Kamala Harris holds a seven-point lead over 45th President Donald Trump in New Mexico, with Harris garnering 44% of the vote compared to Trump’s 37%. This lead suggests that New Mexico, which has traditionally leaned Democrat in recent elections, may be in contention in November. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate, polls at 8% in New Mexico, the highest support he has received among the swing states surveyed. If Kennedy dropped out and endorsed Trump, that would give Trump an even better advantage over Harris. 

Beyond the presidential race, the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico is also drawing significant attention. Incumbent Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich is currently leading his Republican challenger, Nella Domenici, by six points, with Heinrich securing 40% of the vote to Domenici’s 34%. Heinrich’s support falls four points short of Harris’ performance in the state. Domenici, on the other hand, trails Trump by three points, indicating that while she benefits from the Republican base, she has not yet matched Trump’s level of support.

Economic concerns are at the forefront for New Mexico voters, with 55% reporting that their financial situation has worsened over the past year—the highest percentage among the swing states polled. This economic anxiety is likely to play a crucial role in shaping voter preferences in both the presidential and Senate races. Despite these challenges, a plurality of New Mexicans remains cautiously optimistic about the future, with 46% expecting their financial situation to improve in the coming year.

On key issues, New Mexico voters display a nuanced trust in the candidates. Kamala Harris is favored over Donald Trump on healthcare, the environment, and the war in Ukraine, while Trump is trusted more on economic issues, immigration, and national defense. In the Senate race, Domenici could gain traction on economic and immigration concerns.

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems Read More »

​​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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Leger Fernandez blames staffer, ‘service blackout’ for cringe ‘Navajo taco’ post

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s Third Congressional District Representative, Democrat Teresa Leger Fernández, has found herself at the center of a social media storm after an unfortunate mix-up involving a photo she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar gaffe made earlier this year by Democrat U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and has become fodder for critics questioning the authenticity and awareness of New Mexico’s elected officials.

On Thursday, Rep. Leger Fernández posted a photo with the caption, “Enjoying some Navajo tacos!” However, the image showed what appeared to be a plate of grilled lamb ribs with fry bread and blue corn mush on the side—definitely not the traditional Navajo taco she claimed to be enjoying. The post was quickly deleted but not before being captured in a screenshot by a user with the handle @AngryMomUSA, who pointed out the mistake and likened it to Heinrich’s previous blunder, where he mistakenly referred to a bighorn sheep as an elk.

The screenshot quickly gained traction on social media, with users criticizing the congresswoman for being out of touch with the very culture she represents. One user remarked, “I live in Texas, and I know that’s nowhere near a Navajo taco,” while another called her a “total fraud who has no idea what a Navajo Taco looks like,” expressing concern over her representation of Navajo residents in New Mexico.

In response to the backlash, Julian Duque, a spokesperson for Leger Fernández, explained that the mistake was due to a “miscommunication” caused by a service blackout in Gallup, where the team was visiting. According to Duque, photos and captions got mixed up, leading to the erroneous post. He clarified that the team had indeed dined at Cheii’s Restaurant in Fire Rock Casino outside Gallup, where they ordered both lamb ribs and Navajo tacos. To support the claim, Duque provided a meal receipt showing that a Navajo taco was among the items purchased.

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) responded to Lujan Grisham throwing her staffer under the bus, the exact same excuse Heinrich had, with “So, @TeresaForNM claims she either: Ate a plate of ribs AND a Navajo taco in one sitting OR She was going to pose with a staffer’s Navajo Taco and claim she was the one wolfing it down,” adding, “Also, I was in Gallup last week. And I had service ALL OVER GALLUP, including at Fire Rock Casino. Why do they lie?”

The timing of this misstep is particularly sensitive as Leger Fernández gears up for her re-election campaign, where she will face Sharon Clahchischilliage, a Navajo Republican candidate. Critics of Leger Fernández, including those who have seized on this latest incident, argue that the mistake underscores a disconnect between the congresswoman and the cultural traditions of the Navajo people, a key constituency in her district.

The comparison to Heinrich’s earlier social media gaffe only amplifies the perception that some of New Mexico’s leaders are out of touch with the state’s cultural and natural heritage. Heinrich had attributed his error to a mix-up in photos sent by his staff, a defense that drew mixed reactions from the public.

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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 »

Leger Fernandez posts, quickly deletes embarrassingly out-of-touch photo

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, far-left U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of the Third Congressional District, a Democrat, posted an embarrassing photo where she said she was “[e]njoying some Navajo tacos!”

However, the photo she shared included no such food item. Instead, it appears she ordered grilled lamb ribs that came with a fry bread and blue corn mush on the side — not a Navajo taco.

The photo, which was quickly deleted by Leger Fernandez, appears to have been taken at Cheii’s restaurant located in Fire Rock Casino outside of Gallup.

The photo was not deleted before X user @AngryMomUSA grabbed a screenshot and posted it, writing, “Like @MartinHeinrich’s ‘elk’ post, this is @RepTeresaLF ‘s “Navajo Taco,’” referring to an embarrassing post Heinrich made at the beginning of the year showing him posing in front of a longhorn sheep, which he labeled an “elk.”

The X account continued, “Her post was deleted btw. Do any of these people even live here in NM?! It’s no wonder that they ate completely out of touch with a day in the life of the most violent, uneducated state in the US.”

Leger Fernandez’s post was chided by many commenters, including state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), who pointed out the location of the photo and even shared a screenshot of Cheii’s menu, which displayed what the restaurant’s Navajo taco actually looks like. 

“That don’t look like no Navajo Taco I’ve ever eaten. This does,” wrote another X user, sharing a photo of a genuine Navajo taco.

“Total fraud, who has no idea what a Navajo Taco looks like. Terrifying that Teresa Fernandez represents the Navajo residents of New Mexico. Even worse is that she CHAIRS the House’s subcommittee for Indigenous People!! Why is this fraud representing Natives?” one user questioned.

After Heinrich’s elk gaffe, he quickly swept it under the rug and blamed a staffer for the flub. It is unclear if Leger Fernandez, who represents all of the New Mexico side of the Navajo Nation in the U.S. House, will do the same. 

Leger Fernandez posts, quickly deletes embarrassingly out-of-touch photo Read More »

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