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Amid Lujan Grisham’s FFL inspection mandate, RLD chief retires

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) has been slow to inspect licensed firearms dealers in compliance with Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s anti-gun public health order. The Department has visited only seven percent of them since September 8 out of a total of 750 federally licensed firearms retailers in the state, according to reports.

The public health order, part of Lujan Grisham’s attacks on the Second Amendment, mandates the RLD to conduct monthly inspections to ensure compliance with sales and storage laws. However, the agency, responsible for certifying and regulating over 500,000 individuals and businesses across the state, has not previously performed inspections of firearms dealers.

The inspections, referred to as “spot inspections,” have not yet led to any reports to law enforcement authorities. RLD staff members conduct observations related to state laws, including the storage of firearms and compliance with requirements for the legal transfer of firearms.

Amid these new mandates from the governor to RLD, the Department’s superintendent, Linda Trujillo, is suddenly leaving. 

“After 25+ years of public service, I’m embarking on a new journey: retirement,” Trujillo said in a statement. She started in the position in 2020 and oversaw the state’s hurried legalization of recreational marijuana.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a firearm industry trade association, has threatened legal action against these inspections. They argue that federally licensed firearm retailers in New Mexico are heavily regulated by the ATF and subject to federal laws, making state inspections unnecessary. According to the foundation’s general counsel, New Mexico lacks statutes or regulations governing the sales and business practices of such retailers.

The foundation claims the RLD lacks legal authority to enforce federal regulations and suggests that the inspections may violate the rights of New Mexico members, warning of potential litigation to protect these rights.

The RLD maintains that its inspections are conducted under the authority of an executive order from the governor declaring a state of public emergency due to gun violence and the public health order issued by the Department of Health.

Despite the public health order already triggering a series of lawsuits, mainly related to restrictions on carrying firearms in public places, this new dispute centers on the inspection of firearms dealers, with the National Shooting Sports Foundation challenging the state’s authority to conduct such inspections and raising concerns about legal rights and regulatory authority.

Deputy Superintendent Clay Bailey will assume the role of Acting Superintendent in the interim after Trujillo’s exit. 

Amid Lujan Grisham’s FFL inspection mandate, RLD chief retires Read More »

Lujan Grisham launchez PAC to help Gabe Vasquez, others in 2024

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Three prominent leftist former members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) have announced the launch of a new super PAC with a mission to help elect Democrat Hispanics and Latinos to Congress.

Led by leftist New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), along with former Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) and Filemon Vela (D-Texas), this new initiative is called Bold America. Their primary objectives include increasing Hispanic representation in Congress, meaning they will be helping bolster the campaigns of people like far-left U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who faces an uphill battle in his hopes of reelection.

Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “When one of us breaks through, we do not close the door behind us, we pave the way for countless others to follow.”

The name “Bold America” is a clear nod to the CHC’s campaign arm, Bold PAC, indicating their intent to build upon it. The CHC has experienced substantial growth in the past decade, particularly following the 2016 election. 

According to the Congressional Research Service, there are presently 62 Hispanic members in Congress, spanning both Democrats and Republicans, constituting approximately 11 percent of the total congressional membership, encompassing representatives, senators, and nonvoting delegates. 

This growth within the CHC has occasionally led to tensions with the Democrat Party, but it has also given rise to a network of experienced campaign operatives within the CHC sphere. Amy Strathdee, a former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) operative, and Dominic Gabello, who served as Governor Lujan Grisham’s chief of staff, have been appointed as strategic advisors to Bold America. Additionally, the group will be joined by former Joe Biden White House adviser Adrian Saenz, along with DCCC veterans Lucinda Guinn and Dan Sena.

Bold America’s initial mandate is to place a significant emphasis on boosting Latino voter turnout and safeguarding the positions of CHC incumbents, meaning Democrats like Vasquez. Vasquez is trailing former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell in recent polls.

“Gabe Vasquez has every reason to be nervous about his chances in 2024. Voters have seen all they need to see to know that Vasquez is an anti-American energy advocate, border crisis denier and defund the police crusader who is out-of-step with New Mexico values.,” said National Republican Congressional Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

Gabe Vasquez walks the tightrope on border security

Lujan Grisham launchez PAC to help Gabe Vasquez, others in 2024 Read More »

MLG under fire for nixing missing and murdered Native Americans task force

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s regime has decided to discontinue a state task force that was established to address the crisis of missing and murdered Native American people. The task force had not convened since May, shortly after some of its members publicly opposed the appointment of former San Ildefonso Pueblo Gov. James Mountain as the head of the Indian Affairs Department, which housed the task force.

Task force member Cheryl Yazzie (Diné) expressed disappointment, feeling that they were making significant progress and that their work had only just begun. The fate of the task force remains uncertain, with neither the department nor James Mountain communicating with its members regarding its future.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the task force, the governor’s press secretary, Caroline Sweeney, claimed the group had fulfilled its objectives outlined in an expired executive order. However, the administration continued to fund and convene the group for a year after these objectives were met.

Several state lawmakers have called for additional staff to support the recommendations made by the task force. However, some, including Democrat Sen. Shannon Pinto (Diné), believe that additional staff alone may not be sufficient, as the task force brought together a diverse group of individuals to advocate for more effective action.

The task force was initially established in response to the crisis of missing and murdered Native American people, an issue that has affected Native American communities for generations. New Mexico leads the nation in the number of missing and murdered Native American women and girls. The task force faced challenges due to a lack of data from various law enforcement agencies but managed to make some headway.

The group’s recommendations led to legislative actions, such as creating a new position in the Attorney General’s Office focused on missing Native American people and organizing Missing in New Mexico, an annual event to connect families with law enforcement. In May 2022, the task force delivered a comprehensive plan outlining solutions that could be pursued at all levels of government.

The governor’s executive order expired in June 2022, but the Indian Affairs Department continued to support the task force until earlier this year. The task force’s future now depends on legislative action, as the members were under the impression that Governor Lujan Grisham would extend the executive order.

Advocates emphasize addressing the root causes of the crisis, saying they are concerned about the lack of political will and question whether sufficient funding and resources will be allocated to make meaningful changes.

The state response plan includes recommendations for mandatory law enforcement training on trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity, funding for liaisons to assist families, financial support for affected families, improved data collection, and expanded access to housing, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.

The dissolution of the task force has amplified concerns about a lack of political will to confront these critical issues. Advocates stress the urgency of addressing the problem to prevent it from persisting for future generations.

MLG under fire for nixing missing and murdered Native Americans task force Read More »

Lujan Grisham signs new executive order to revive eco-leftists’ green dream

24 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she had issued an executive order Monday directing state agencies to transition to fully electric vehicle (EV) fleets within the next 12 years. Exceptions for heavy equipment and emergency vehicles were also announced at the Symposium on the Future of Transportation in New Mexico. Governor Lujan Grisham also expressed plans to request “robust” electric vehicle tax credits during the upcoming legislative session in January 2023. It is unclear what counts as “robust” to the governor. 

EV tax credits are likely a strategic move by the governor, who faced fury from the eco-leftists after she line-item vetoed tax credits from the legislative budget passed earlier this year.

“These were important but way too small,” Lujan Grisham said of the vetoed tax credits. “These benefits were so small, they don’t move the needle. Sometimes, when you get something, you don’t get a second bite at it.”

In response, the dark money eco-left group, the Sierra Club of the Rio Grande Chapter, posted, “@GovMLG are you truly saying that you vetoed the electric vehicle tax credit that we’ve all been working on for the last 15 years because it was too small? Those were thousands of EVs for low-income New Mexicans that now won’t have that benefit.”

Others charged the governor with “blowing smoke” with her “bull***t response.” 

The Western Environmental Law Center’s executive director Erik Schlenker-Goodrich tweeted, “Listening to @GovMLG at #POLITICOenergy attempt to explain (unpersuasively) why she vetoed sensible climate tax credits just confirms that her administration, after a promising 1st term, has no climate policy agenda in its 2nd term beyond a word salad.”

The proposed tax credits would be transferable and applicable to both new and used electric vehicles, aiming to make electric vehicles more accessible to middle- and low-income buyers. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized that these credits should work at the point of sale, focusing on consumers to drive changes in the marketplace.

The proposed tax credits received support from legislative committee chairs Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) and Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), who emphasized their importance in moving the state towards a lower-carbon future. However, Larry Behrens, the Western states director of the pro-energy group Power the Future, criticized the tax credits, arguing that they primarily benefit the rich.

Regarding the executive order, Governor Lujan Grisham declared that by 2035, the state government fleet would be 100% electric, encouraging the use of zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

“In fiscal year 2022, state employees drove a whopping 16,650,964 miles in state vehicles, with only 36,077 of those being in the governor’s [electric vehicles] — less than one percent,” he wrote.

This electric vehicle initiative follows the governor’s plan announced in July, requiring vehicle manufacturers to provide an increasing number of electric models over the next decade. The Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Trucks rule aims for at least 43% of all cars and 15% to 20% of all trucks sold in New Mexico to be electric models by 2026.

Larry Behrens criticized the governor’s push for electric vehicles, arguing that tax credits and spending on electric vehicles for state employees are attempts to force a product that New Mexicans don’t want. 

Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged the need for more electric vehicle infrastructure in New Mexico but noted that the state still ranks among the top six nationally. She cited a New York Times article recommending Northern New Mexico for electric vehicle tourism, particularly the high road to Taos.

Governor’s feeble excuse reignites eco-left’s fury over EV tax credit veto

Lujan Grisham signs new executive order to revive eco-leftists’ green dream Read More »

Lujan Grisham vows to snatch gun rights during next legislative session

50 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development, U.S. District Judge David Urias, a Joe Biden appointee, has upheld far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s amended public health order, which temporarily prohibits the carrying of firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Governor Lujan Grisham tried to take a victory lap following the ruling, writing, “Bold change is not easy.”

“We must continue this effort with comprehensive public safety actions now and into the upcoming legislative session, where we will work to make these gun violence prevention measures permanent,” she added, vowing to snatch New Mexicans’ gun rights in the next legislative session.

The decision by Judge Urias has implications for the upcoming legislative session, a short 30-day session primarily focused on financial issues. Political expert Brian Sanderoff explained that for anti-gun prevention measures to be considered during this session, the governor would need to include them in the agenda. 

While acknowledging the challenges of passing nonfinancial bills in a short session, Sanderoff expressed optimism that her agenda could be rammed through.

The backdrop of this legal battle involves a city ordinance implemented in 2020 under the Keller administration, which prohibits firearms and other dangerous weapons at public parks and playgrounds. Legal analyst John Day highlighted the sensitivity of areas like playgrounds and parks in the eyes of the law, emphasizing that both the city of Albuquerque and the state governor share the stance of restricting firearms in such locations. Now, only lawbreakers who already don’t follow laws will be able to possess illegal guns in such restricted places while the law-abiding will be disarmed.

Day noted that not all aspects of the governor’s initial gun order survived legal scrutiny, but the ban on guns in areas with children, such as playgrounds and parks, remains a specific area where restrictions are deemed permissible.

While the court’s decision reinforces the city’s existing ordinance, it also underscores the ongoing legal and societal debate surrounding the balance between individual rights and public safety. 

The governor still faces impending impeachment begun by Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo), who are leading the charge over her unconstitutional order and flagrant abuse of her office. Multiple other lawsuits are targeting Lujan Grisham’s abuse of emergency powers. 

Lujan Grisham vows to snatch gun rights during next legislative session Read More »

Biden-appointed judge rules on Gov. Lujan Grisham’s updated anti-gun order

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a shocking development, U.S. District Judge David Urias has given the green light to enforce a public health order that suspends the right to carry guns at public parks and playgrounds in New Mexico’s largest metropolitan area. The decision comes in response to gun rights advocates’ request to block these temporary firearms restrictions during the ongoing legal challenges.

Far-left Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham sees this as a triumph for public safety, especially in light of recent shootings across the state resulting in tragic outcomes, particularly for children. The move underscores the governor’s obsession with implementing anti-gun edicts, cloaking her actions in recent tragedies.

The attempted restrictions in New Mexico have sparked public protests and elicited calls for the governor’s impeachment from Republicans, led by Reps. Stefani Lord of Sandia Park and John Block of Alamogordo. The issue has also led to increased discord among top Democratic officials. Governor Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, maintains her stance that certain public spaces, deemed sensitive, should restrict the open or concealed carry of firearms.

Despite legal pushback from gun rights advocates, who argue that even a scaled-back version would infringe on Second Amendment rights, Judge Urias denied the request for an injunction. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success in court. He rejected the argument that restrictions for “sensitive” places should only apply to locations serving core government functions.

Judge Urias suggested that determining what constitutes a sensitive place might hinge on factors such as the type of function occurring at those locations and whether vulnerable populations, like children, utilize them. He also acknowledged the possibility that the governor could demonstrate a national historical tradition of firearm restrictions at public parks within cities.

The initial order sought to suspend gun-carry rights in most public places in the Albuquerque area, while the current version narrows the scope to public parks and playgrounds. Notably, an exception ensures access to a municipal shooting range park. The restrictions are tied to a statistical threshold for violent crime specific to the Albuquerque area.

Although state police have the authority to assess civil penalties and fines under the order, the sheriff and Albuquerque’s police chief have previously refused to enforce it. Other aspects of the public health order, including monthly inspections of firearms dealers, reports on gunshot victims, and safe-surrender programs, remain intact.

As a temporary restraining order blocking the gun restrictions was set to expire, this decision by Judge Urias signifies a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding firearms regulations in New Mexico.

Biden-appointed judge rules on Gov. Lujan Grisham’s updated anti-gun order Read More »

Governor tries justifying unconstitutional anti-gun edict in Tuesday presser

23 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

One month following far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional edict trying to unilaterally usurp Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents’ rights to open or concealed carry, she called a Tuesday press conference trying to defend the indefensible after a judge struck down her original order and her subsequent amended order.

She tried to take credit for a minor dip in gunshots detected from 166 over a 4-day span in September to 128 over another 4-day span later in the month, despite her unconstitutional orders being on hold pending the judge’s ruling.

“I am incredibly pleased by the outcome, but we have a long way to go,” she said, claiming her policies were helping “move the needle,” despite violent crime at an all-time high, with constant homicides in Albuquerque.

The governor said, “I won’t rest until we don’t have to talk about (gun violence) as an epidemic and a public health emergency. That’s the goal — and if we turn the tide and it’s sustainable.” 

“Every single New Mexican deserves that, and there’s not a single New Mexican who isn’t impacted by our public safety challenges and, quite frankly, this epidemic and crisis,” she claimed.

A Monday murder near the 1100 block of Second Street NW was the 118th homicide in the Duke City, just 20 shy of last year’s total with two full months to go. 

Lujan Grisham recently tripled down on her unconstitutional executive order, having her New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen reissue the stricken firearm ban on parks and playgrounds, which carries $5,000 civil infraction penalties. 

Lujan Grisham continues to face impeachment calls from 31 legislators, being led by Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo), who have begun a certification petition process for an extraordinary impeachment session. 

Governor tries justifying unconstitutional anti-gun edict in Tuesday presser Read More »

Lujan Grisham again defies court order, reissues unconstitutional gun ban

60 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has again extended her anti-gun executive orders, introducing a renewed order that includes updated measures to curb access to firearms. Her past two executive orders were stricken down by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, forcing her to rewrite them again and release them via her New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen.

The renewed order now mandates the Department of Public Safety to organize gun buy-backs. Within the next 30 days, buy-back events will be held in Albuquerque, Española, and Las Cruces to attempt to further disarm the populous.

Governor Lujan Grisham claimed firearms threaten the state, citing a recent incident where two guns were found in the possession of students at an Albuquerque high school. While no injuries occurred, the incident underscored the psychological impact on children. 

The previous version of the public health order had included additional measures, such as attempting to suspend gun-carry rights in specific areas, a move that a federal judge temporarily halted. Despite that, she reissued it in Allen’s order.

“No person, other than a law enforcement officer or licensed security officer, or active duty military personnel shall possess a firearm, as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 30-7-4.1, either openly or concealed, in public parks or playgrounds within the City of Albuquerque or Bernalillo County, except in the City of Albuquerque’s Shooting Range Park and areas designated as a state park within the state parks system and owned or managed by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department State Parks Division, or the State Land Office,” read the new order.

“This Order supersedes any previous Order to the extent it is in conflict and shall take effect on October 6, 2023, and remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergencies declared in Executive Orders 2023-130 and 2023-132 and any subsequent renewals of those public health emergency declarations, unless otherwise rescinded,” it included.

It also involved the distribution of trigger locks, reading, “Trigger locks shall be made available free of charge to all firearm owners; provided that each firearm owner shall only be entitled to one free trigger lock. Firearm owners wishing to obtain a free trigger lock should visit www.safestoragenm.org.”

Interestingly, the decree concluded, “Nothing in this Order shall be construed to contradict or evade any court orders temporarily enjoining provisions in previous public health emergency orders that remain in this Order. Any court order regarding such provisions shall apply to the same provisions found herein,” an apparent attempt to minimize liability from the new unconstitutional edict that violates the drudge’s previous court order.

Lujan Grisham continues to face impeachment calls from 31 legislators, being led by Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo), who have begun a certification petition process for an extraordinary impeachment session. 

Judge delivers bad news to Gov. Lujan Grisham over executive order

Lujan Grisham again defies court order, reissues unconstitutional gun ban Read More »

Lujan Grisham’s NM Enviro Dept. launches newest attack on oil and gas

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is intensifying its efforts to “crack down” on oil and natural gas violations in the Permian and San Juan Basins over the next six months. While the NMED frames this initiative as a robust compliance assurance measure using space-based, aerial, and on-the-ground monitoring, detractors are expressing concerns about the potential consequences.

NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney bragged about “record fines levied and collected against the oil and natural gas industry,” saying despite that, “many operators are not taking compliance with federal and state air quality rules and permits seriously.” 

“It’s clear Governor Lujan Grisham’s Environment Department is more concerned with getting money than getting things right,” said Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future. “These moves will do nothing but raise prices further, and it’s despicable for Secretary Kenney to brag about record fines while he takes in massive raises in his own salary. New Mexico’s energy industry already provides billions to Santa Fe, but it’s clear the Lujan Grisham administration has an insatiable appetite for more money.”

Over the coming months, NMED plans to collect compliance data through various monitoring methods, potentially referring enforcement matters to federal entities such as the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This has fueled concerns about the department’s reliance on external agencies, possibly diverting resources from state-level responsibilities.

Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Bruce Baizel, defended the approach, stating, “Using innovative technologies to monitor oil and natural gas operations along with more conventional boots on the ground will prove effective in holding polluters accountable.”

One of the contentious aspects of the NMED’s strategy is its potential impact on the oil and gas industry in New Mexico. While the department asserts that this crackdown is necessary due to rising ozone levels and poor compliance rates, opponents fear that it might stifle industry efforts to improve environmental practices.

The directive also emphasizes the monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), crucial components in the formation of ground-level ozone. However, critics question whether the NMED’s approach considers the economic implications and potential job losses that could result from stringent enforcement.

As the NMED moves forward with its aggressive enforcement strategy, the debate over eco-leftist policies that will kill the state’s primary source of income intensifies. 

New Mexicans are paying over 58 percent more for gasoline than when Governor Lujan Grisham took office, according to Power The Future.

Lujan Grisham’s NM Enviro Dept. launches newest attack on oil and gas Read More »

Judge delivers bad news to Gov. Lujan Grisham over executive order

79 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, a federal judge, David Herrera Urias, issued a temporary restraining order, blocking Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s revised public health order that prohibited firearms in parks, playgrounds, and other public places where children play in Albuquerque and across Bernalillo County — another blow to the governor. 

The extension of the temporary restraining order comes as Judge Urias considers a request for an injunction on the revised order. He has committed to making a decision on this matter by October 11.

The legal action follows at least five lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court, with plaintiffs asserting that the governor’s initial order, which banned carrying open or concealed firearms in public spaces in New Mexico’s most populous city and county, infringes on Second Amendment rights. The lawsuits primarily seek court orders to prevent the state from enforcing the gun ban.

The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), one of the complainants, swiftly filed a lawsuit within 24 hours of the governor issuing the public health order. Dudley Brown, president of the Colorado-based organization, emphasized the uniqueness of New Mexico’s situation, stating, “This is the most egregious ban ever produced in modern America.”

While Judge Urias evaluates the legal aspects of the firearms ban, the political landscape surrounding Governor Lujan Grisham is becoming increasingly tumultuous. Representatives Lord and Block have initiated calls for the governor’s impeachment, citing concerns over her handling of public health orders and potential violations of constitutional rights.

The federal judge’s decision to extend the temporary restraining order adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle over gun regulations. The outcome, expected by October 11, will have significant implications not only for Governor Lujan Grisham’s public health measures but also for the broader debate on Second Amendment rights in the state.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the governor faces mounting pressure on the political front, with calls for impeachment intensifying. State Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) continue to pursue impeachment proceedings against the governor over her unconstitutional order and her claims that no law or oath is “absolute.”

Judge delivers bad news to Gov. Lujan Grisham over executive order Read More »

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