Politics

Governor’s ‘green’ legacy at risk after climate study debunked

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is touting the positive impact of her administration’s oil and gas regulations on the state’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to neighboring Texas. The claim is based on an “independent” study by environmental measurement and analysis firm Kayrros, indicating that New Mexico’s oil and gas operations emit half the emissions of Texas per unit.

The study attributes this difference to New Mexico’s state regulations addressing methane waste and emissions. Governor Lujan Grisham stated, “This study proves what we in New Mexico already know: we are doing the right things at the right time to produce the cleanest barrel of oil in the country.” However, an analysis by The Center Square challenges the study’s accuracy, noting a 25% undercount of Texas Permian Basin oil and gas production.

Data from the Dallas Federal Reserve reveals that in 2022, New Mexico’s Permian Basin production was only one-third of Texas, contrary to the study’s claim. Despite the flaws, the Kayrros study has been endorsed by the governor’s office, which did not respond to inquiries from The Center Square.

Texas oil and gas insiders contest the study’s findings, asserting that methane pollution in Texas has been on a decline similar to that in New Mexico. Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, emphasized the industry’s commitment to responsible operations, citing a 76% reduction in methane intensity from 2011 to 2021.

While acknowledging the positive impact of New Mexico’s methane waste rules implemented in May 2021, critics question the accuracy of the study’s comparison between the two states. Methane, considered 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, is a significant concern in oil and gas production due to leaks and intentional releases.

Governor Lujan Grisham, who issued an executive order on “climate change” shortly after taking office, praised the efforts of Secretaries Sarah Cottrell Propst and James Kenney for their work in curbing emissions from the energy sector in the state. The regulations mandate operators to capture 98% of produced natural gas by 2026 and ban routine venting and flaring. Since their adoption, New Mexico claims a 36% reduction in gas lost and a 69% reduction in routine venting and flaring. Critics, however, question the objectivity of the study and emphasize the need for accurate data in evaluating environmental policies.

Governor’s ‘green’ legacy at risk after climate study debunked Read More »

AG Torrez joins brief seeking to override Texas’ pro-life laws

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a controversial move, New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez has joined forces with 21 other attorneys general by signing an amicus brief aimed at expanding access to energy abortion care for Texas patients by overriding the state’s pro-life laws. The brief, filed in the Texas Supreme Court, supports the plaintiffs in Zurawski v. Texas, marking the first legal challenge since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

AG Torrez claimed, “Emergency healthcare should never be politicized or compromised,” criticizing Texas for allegedly creating an “unsafe space for pregnant women.” The statement further expressed solidarity with women across the country facing challenges accessing essential healthcare due to what Torrez referred to as “radical bans.”

The lawsuit, initially filed on March 6, 2023, sought clarification on Texas’ medical emergency exception under state abortion laws. A court order on Aug. 4 temporarily blocked the application of Texas’ abortion ban in cases of “emergent medical conditions.” However, Texas is now appealing this decision in the state’s Supreme Court.

The multistate coalition, represented by the amicus brief, contends that Texas’ laws endanger the lives and health of pregnant women and could have serious repercussions on the health systems of other states. The argument maintains that preventing medical providers from performing abortions needed to treat emergency medical conditions puts pregnant women at risk, as many complications require time-sensitive stabilizing treatment that may include abortion.

Furthermore, the coalition asserts that when Texas hospitals fail to provide emergency abortion care, women are compelled to seek assistance from out-of-state facilities, thereby straining emergency departments in other states dealing with overcrowding, long wait times, and staff shortages.

However, according to medical experts and doctors, abortions are never medically necessary, and the pro-abortion argument is used to confuse and harm women by foisting abortions upon them.

This controversial legal intervention places New Mexico at the center of a divisive national debate, with Attorney General Torrez aligning with a coalition of states advocating for expanded abortion access despite a growing pro-life stance gaining momentum in several parts of the country.

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AG Torrez joins brief seeking to override Texas’ pro-life laws Read More »

Pro-Hamas extremists vandalize Sen. Heinrich’s Santa Fe office

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to photos obtained by the Piñon Post, far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich’s office in Santa Fe has been vandalized by apparent pro-Hamas extremist domestic terrorists.

The building, located on Marcy Street in the capital city, was painted with the words “HEINRICH STOP THE GENOCIDE,” along with “FREE PALESTINE” and “CEASEFIRE NOW” tagged on the windows of the adobe office building. A large puddle of red paint was then dumped near the office’s front door.

Sen. Heinrich’s Santa Fe office, seen on November 15, 2023, was vandalized by pro-Hamas terrorists.

On Heinrich’s website, the office building in Santa Fe is no longer publicly available, although all other New Mexico office addresses are publicly posted.

The senator wrote on October 18, “The loss and tragedy in Israel and Gaza have been devastating. America must fight to always protect the innocent. Israelis and Palestinians deserve safety and peace. That must include an adherence to international law and ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered.”

On November 7, Heinrich added, “As I’ve said repeatedly, Israel has the right to hold Hamas accountable for the horrific attacks on October 7th.  I believe deeply that the eradication of Hamas is paramount to stability and democracy in the region. But a shock and awe approach is not the answer.” 

Now, the extremist Hamas domestic terrorists are coming after the Democrat senator. This comes just days after Democrat Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware was accosted on an Amtrak by a far-left pro-Hamas “journalist.”

It is immediately unclear if there are suspects in the vandalism of the office or how much the cleanup will cost the senator. 

Pro-Hamas extremists vandalize Sen. Heinrich’s Santa Fe office Read More »

Eco-leftists to resurrect thrice failed extreme assault on oil and gas

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Advocates aiming to incorporate the “Green Amendment” into the New Mexico Constitution are gearing up for another attempt in the upcoming legislative session, with the goal of placing it on the November 2024 ballot. This marks the fourth endeavor, as the previous three attempts failed to progress beyond the legislative floor.

Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Bernalillo) is spearheading the effort once again, emphasizing the significance of the “right” to a clean environment for New Mexicans. Addressing the Water and Natural Resources Committee last week, she drew parallels between environmental rights and fundamental freedoms like speech and religion.

Sedillo Lopez claimed, “By placing the environmental rights in our Constitution’s Bill of Rights, we are ensuring that they are given the same legal and constitutional standing as other inalienable rights of fundamental importance to all New Mexicans. We recognize the importance of protecting our speech rights, our religious freedoms, and our civil rights, and it is just as important to protect the rights of our people to clean water and air, a healthy climate, and the environment.”

The proposed amendment outlines that the people of New Mexico should have entitlement to clean and healthy air, water, soil, and environments, including a stable climate and self-sustaining ecosystems, all for the benefit of public health, safety, and general welfare. Furthermore, it emphasizes the state’s responsibility to protect these rights equitably, irrespective of factors such as race, ethnicity, tribal membership status, gender, socio-economic status, or geography.

The vague language in the proposed amendment would mean agencies such as the State Land Office, run by rabidly anti-energy Secretary Stephanie Garcia Richard, would have 100% dominion over state land and water rights. Also, the conflicting science put forth by many left-wing conspiracy theorists regarding “climate change” could dictate what the constitutional amendment’s definition of “a stable climate” is. 

Now that the thrice failed legislation is once again being resurrected, it is unlikely the fringe legislation will get far in a 30-day 2024 session, with opposition from all Republicans and likely some Democrats. Still, New Mexicans must remain alert about the horrific impacts the legislation could have if rammed through.

Eco-leftists to resurrect thrice failed extreme assault on oil and gas Read More »

Two NM counties had more registered voters than qualified electors: Study

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recently released study by Judicial Watch has exposed voter registration disparities in 353 U.S. counties, revealing 1.8 million more registered voters than eligible voting-age citizens, including two counties in New Mexico.

This discrepancy implies that the registration rates in these counties surpass 100% of eligible voters. The study, conducted in September 2020, drew attention to eight states with statewide registration rates exceeding 100%: Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

New Mexico’s Los Alamos County had a 110% voter registration rate, while Harding County had a 177% rate.

The methodology involved comparing the most recent registration data, obtained from states’ online records, with the Census Bureau’s five-year population estimates collected by the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2014 to 2018. ACS surveys, sent to 3.5 million addresses monthly, are considered highly reliable for estimating population figures outside the decennial census.

However, the study’s scope is limited to the 37 states providing regular updates to their registration data. Some state voter registration lists may potentially be larger than reported, as they may exclude “inactive voters,” who remain registered and can still participate in elections.

Judicial Watch uses such voter registration studies to caution states about potential non-compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This federal law mandates states to make reasonable efforts to clean their voter rolls, and Judicial Watch has a track record of suing to enforce compliance.

In a recent lawsuit against Colorado for non-compliance with the National Voter Registration Act, Judicial Watch revealed that 42 counties, or two-thirds of the state’s counties, had registration rates exceeding 100%. Similar lawsuits were filed earlier this year against Pennsylvania and North Carolina for their failure to remove ineligible voters from their rolls. Another lawsuit was initiated against Illinois for refusing to disclose voter roll data, violating federal law.

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton emphasized the study’s revelation of 1.8 million excess or “ghost” voters across 29 states. Fitton expressed concern about the implications of blindly mailing ballots to such voter registration lists, highlighting the importance of clean voting rolls for ensuring fair elections.

This study builds on a similar analysis conducted by Judicial Watch in August 2019, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to promoting cleaner elections and holding states accountable for maintaining accurate voter rolls.

Learn more about all the states and counties affected here.

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Two NM counties had more registered voters than qualified electors: Study Read More »

Albuquerque Journal editorial chides Lujan Grisham’s extreme EV mandate

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent editorial, the Albuquerque Journal took a critical stance on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s push for electric vehicle (EV) mandates with 2032 as the set goal, arguing that such measures could severely limit choices for consumers and have a detrimental impact on New Mexico’s auto industry.

The editorial, titled “EV Mandates Would Limit Choices and Decimate NM Auto,” questions the viability and implications of the governor’s ambitious plan to mandate electric vehicles. The Albuquerque Journal, a prominent voice in New Mexico, has raised concerns about the potential consequences of forcing an accelerated transition to electric vehicles.

One key passage in the editorial emphasizes the potential limitations on consumer choices that could result from an aggressive push toward EV adoption. The Journal argues that imposing mandates could disrupt the free market, restricting the availability of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles that many consumers still prefer.

The editorial points out the economic implications for New Mexico’s auto industry, expressing concerns that a rapid shift to EVs could have a devastating impact on jobs and businesses associated with the production, sale, and maintenance of traditional automobiles. The piece highlights the need for a balanced and gradual approach to allow for a smoother transition that considers the economic interests of the state.

The Albuquerque Journal also questions the feasibility of the infrastructure required to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The editorial suggests that implementing mandates without adequate infrastructure could lead to challenges for consumers, such as limited charging options and potential strain on the power grid.

“Mandating EVs is a classic case of putting the cart before the horse. If approved now, a practical governor in the future — maybe one who actually uses an EV — will have to scale back the mandates. They are simply unattainable now,” the board wrote. “There doesn’t seem to be any point in contacting state lawmakers, who long ago acquiesced their regulatory powers to the governor, allowing her to again go it alone through executive action.”

Governor Lujan Grisham’s push for electric vehicle mandates is undoubtedly a topic of significant debate, and the Albuquerque Journal’s editorial provides a platform for raising crucial questions about the potential impact on consumer choices, the economy, and the state’s infrastructure. 

“Like they always say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” concluded the Journal.

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Albuquerque Journal editorial chides Lujan Grisham’s extreme EV mandate Read More »

Sen. Luján rages at GOP congressman in defense of government-controlled cars

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Wyoming’s lone U.S. House representative, Rep. Harriet Hageman, joined a failed attempt to defund a federal law requiring all passenger cars sold after 2026 to have an “impaired driving prevention technology” system, commonly referred to as a “kill switch.” 

The proposed amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, sought to challenge Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The amendment, which garnered 199 Republican and two Democratic votes in favor, ultimately fell short in a 229-201 vote on Tuesday evening, with 19 Republicans and 210 Democrats opposing it.

Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act stipulates that, by 2026, all new passenger vehicles must be equipped with systems to monitor drivers passively, detect impairment, and limit operation if necessary. Alternatively, the technology can focus on detecting a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration and shutting down the vehicle if it exceeds the legal limit.

The debate on the House floor centered on the balance between constitutional privacy rights and addressing concerns about drunk driving. Rep. Massie argued that the federal government installing a kill switch in vehicles seemed like “dystopian science fiction” and questioned the potential invasion of privacy through surveillance technologies.

New Mexico’s U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján chimed in on the “kill switch” initiative, bashing Massey on X, formerly Twitter.

“This technology doesn’t track your vehicle’s location or randomly switch off cars. It prevents people from driving drunk and saves countless lives,” claimed the New Mexico Democrat.

Massey shot back at Lujan’s post, writing, “#1 It will not act randomly.

It will trigger falsely more often than not, dangerously stranding people in cars.”

He added, “#2 This tech will need to track where the car is to know [the] speed limit, appropriate driving behavior for the location, and where the car is disabled.” 

Lujan is a fervent supporter of government-tracked and “kill-switched” cars, which create the opportunity for the government to shut down one’s car. For now, Democrats claim it is only for the prevention of drunk driving, but what about another pandemic where a travel ban is enacted? This rule could be a slippery slope to even more government control of Americans’ lives.

Sen. Luján rages at GOP congressman in defense of government-controlled cars Read More »

Will Keller bill Biden for $80K security tab as he did by invoicing Trump $211K?

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Joe Biden’s August Albuquerque visit comes with a hefty price tag, as the City of Albuquerque reportedly spent a total of $80,231.98 on various expenses associated with the presidential visit, according to a report from Errors of Enchantment by the Rio Grande Foundation.

Expenses could include costs related to security measures, logistical arrangements, and other essential preparations to ensure a smooth and secure visit for Biden.

According to the report, it is unclear if Biden was invoiced for the security expenses. 

Back when President Donald Trump visited Albuquerque for one day, Democrat Mayor Tim Keller charged the president $211,175.94 for “ security costs stemming from Trump’s overnight stay in Albuquerque before the rally in Rio Rancho on Sept. 16, 2019,” according to the Associated Press.

It is unclear why Biden’s security costs were significantly lower than that of Trump’s and why the City has not made a big fuss over forcing Biden to cover the expenses.

“I don’t really expect us to get paid,” Keller told the Daily Show at the time. “But it’s important that we do, and you know, we would do it for anyone else, so he’s no different.”

“We actually treated it like any other debt, and so it goes through a somewhat process where you send a bunch of letters out,” Keller said. “We got no response from those letters. And then automatically, it does go to an agency that helps try and collect debts.”

“Within the overall City budget of $1.3 billion both amounts are trivial and we WANT presidential candidates and presidents of BOTH parties to visit our City and State,” wrote the Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing.

Will Keller bill Biden for $80K security tab as he did by invoicing Trump $211K? Read More »

Another Cabinet secretary ditches Lujan Grisham administration

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst, a prominent figure in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s original cabinet lineup, is stepping down from her role as the head of the state Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department. The Governor’s Office announced this move on Thursday, stating that Cottrell Propst will be pursuing an opportunity “outside of state government.” She will continue in her current position until the end of the year.

Having been part of the governor’s initial cabinet appointments, Cottrell Propst stands out as one of the few who has retained her position since Governor Lujan Grisham’s first term. 

In a released statement, the governor praised Cottrell Propst, acknowledging her as an exceptional leader who played a pivotal role in advancing New Mexico’s so-called “clean energy” initiatives.

During her tenure, Cottrell Propst supported initiatives, including the creation of the Energy Transition Act and the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, both of which received the governor’s backing. Before assuming the role of Cabinet secretary, she served as the deputy secretary of the New Mexico Energy Department from 2006 to 2010. Additionally, she held the position of executive director of the Interwest Energy Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting renewable energy.

When Cottrell Propst’s appointment was announced in late 2018, Governor Lujan Grisham outlined priorities that included regulating the state’s oil and gas activities while simultaneously carrying out Green New Deal policies. 

Lujan Grisham’s administration has been marred by the constant revolving door of officials, including Cabinet secretaries ditching the administration at the highest rates possible. 

Cottrell’s exit follows that of Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo, Economic Development Department Secretary Alicia J. Keyes, Aging and Long-Term Services Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez, among countless others throughout the governor’s five-year tenure. 

Another Cabinet secretary ditches Lujan Grisham administration Read More »

AG Torrez wants to amp up anti-gun law, further infringe on constitutional rights

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New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced on Wednesday that he wants the Legislature to strengthen the state’s anti-gun red flag law, citing an incident near a Santa Fe elementary school. The incident involved a man near César Chávez Elementary School who was seen wearing camouflage clothing, a bulletproof vest, and carrying multiple magazines of ammunition.

Torrez highlighted the response of the Santa Fe Police Department to the potential threat, emphasizing the man’s concerning history of shooting people with BB guns, depression, drug use, and a strong dislike for law enforcement. Despite attempts to obtain an extreme risk firearm protection order from the First Judicial District Court, the request was initially granted temporarily but later denied by District Judge Sylvia LaMar. The judge ruled that the petition failed to meet statutory requirements because the reporting party was a law enforcement officer and not a family member or close associate.

The red flag law, established in 2020, aims to identify mentally unstable individuals who own firearms and may pose a risk to themselves or others. However, the debate revolves around the language concerning who can be a reporting party and petition the court for a protection order. Torrez criticized the interpretation discrepancies among district judges despite an opinion issued by the Attorney General’s Office in 2021, clarifying that law enforcement officials can act as reporting parties.

Torrez’s office has filed a petition with the New Mexico Court of Appeals to overturn the District Court’s ruling. He emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in the law to prevent future tragedies, pointing to the need for law enforcement officials to be proactive in reporting potential threats.

In response to the incident and the challenges faced in the legal process, lawmakers, including Democrat Rep. Joy Garratt, plan to introduce revisions to the law during the upcoming legislative session in January. Garratt emphasized the value of police officers as reporting parties and the intention to include an emergency clause in the law to address immediacy.

Torrez outlined a plan for training law enforcement officials to be proactive in reporting individuals, eliminating the 48-hour waiting period for voluntary firearm removal from dangerous individuals, and mandating courts to notify law enforcement when someone with firearms is involuntarily committed or deemed unfit for trial due to mental incompetence.

While Torrez claimed there is urgency in closing supposed gaps in the law, the initial “red flag” legislation and any subsequent changes are an infringement upon constitutional rights to due process. 

Previously, Torrez refused to defend Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional order banning all gun possession in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, calling it “unconstitutional,” but now supports strengthening unconstitutional proposals to usurp New Mexicans’ constitutional rights.

AG Torrez delivers devastating blow to anti-gun Gov. Lujan Grisham

AG Torrez wants to amp up anti-gun law, further infringe on constitutional rights Read More »

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