AGP Executive Report

Flooding & Dam Safety: A flood warning remains in effect for the Rio Puerco near Bernardo as the river nears/holds flood stage, with minor flooding expected to continue into Saturday; in Socorro County, officials also warned residents to stay away from river banks as runoff swells the Rio Puerco. Road Impacts: Route 60 west of Socorro reopened after flood damage to a bridge, though oversized/overweight trucks still face restrictions. Local Water Quality & Trust: In Sunland Park, residents say arsenic concerns persist even after the area met EPA standards in January 2025, as water rates rose sharply and community members question the provider’s handling amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air Quality & Health Concerns: Sunland Park residents are pushing back on a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, citing worries about dust and respiratory impacts. Climate Extremes: NOAA reports the U.S. had its hottest summer on record in 2026, with New Mexico among the warmest. Energy Permitting: A bipartisan Senate bill led by Sen. Martin Heinrich would bar administrations from blocking permits for an entire class of energy projects, with legal action and fines for stalling. Balloon Fiesta Safety: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta opened with warm, dry flying conditions, but seven balloon incidents were reported early, including crashes involving power lines and a light pole.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: A flood warning is in effect for Socorro County as rain swells the Rio Puerco near Bernardo, with officials urging people to stay away from river banks and never drive through flooded roads. Water Quality & Trust: In Sunland Park, residents say arsenic concerns still linger even after the water met EPA standards in January 2025, as bills rose sharply and community trust is strained amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air & Health Concerns: Sunland Park residents are pushing back on a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, warning about dust and health impacts for people with asthma and other lung conditions. Energy Policy: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would bar administrations from blocking permits for an entire class of energy projects like solar or wind, setting up faster legal challenges and potential fines. Local Weather & Events: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta kicked off with warm, dry skies, but day 1 saw seven minor balloon incidents, including crashes into power lines and a light pole, with no serious injuries reported.

Water & Health: Sunland Park residents say they still don’t trust tap water despite it meeting EPA arsenic standards, pointing to steep rate hikes and lingering concerns as the state weighs next steps amid the nearby Project Jupiter fight. Air Quality & Community Impact: Neighbors in Sunland Park are raising health worries about a proposed concrete batch plant near homes, citing potential dust and respiratory risks. Flooding Watch: A flood warning was issued for Socorro County as rain swelled the Rio Puerco near Bernardo, with officials urging people to stay away from river banks and flooded roads. Climate Extremes: New NOAA findings show the U.S. just logged its hottest summer on record, with New Mexico among states seeing record-warm conditions—another reminder that heat and heavy rain are stacking up. Energy Policy: New Mexico is part of a coalition suing over federal fuel economy rollbacks, arguing drivers shouldn’t pay more at the pump as standards are weakened. Permitting & Data Centers: A retired federal judge was appointed to preside over Project Jupiter’s air quality permit hearing, a key step for the Santa Teresa data center’s proposed methane fuel-cell power.

Flood Response in New Mexico: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed five executive orders declaring a statewide emergency after flooding, unlocking up to $3.75 million for temporary lodging, shelter, healthcare, food, and transportation, with National Guard support available. El Niño & Flood Insurance: Congress extended the National Flood Insurance Program to prevent coverage lapses as a record-strong El Niño raises flood risk across the Southwest and southern U.S., including New Mexico. Water & Courts: A federal appeals court limited constitutional claims tied to contaminated drinking water, underscoring how hard it is to win federal constitutional arguments over unsafe water. Climate Rule Rollbacks Fight: States and cities, including New Mexico’s AG in related suits, challenged Trump administration moves rolling back fuel economy and power-plant emissions limits—arguing they’ll worsen pollution and raise costs. Energy Permitting Debate: A bipartisan Senate permitting bill aims to speed up energy and infrastructure reviews, with New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich among key backers. Local Infrastructure: Colorado’s CO 172 culvert improvement project near the NM line will bring lane restrictions and a scheduled full closure in October.

Flooding & Dam Safety: Heavy rain tied to Hurricane Polo’s remnants has triggered flooding and tornado reports across multiple states, with New Mexico communities facing flash-flood risk and dam-failure fears; McLeod Dam in Doña Ana County was rated “poor” with “high hazard potential” in a 2023 inspection after Tuesday overtopping and erosion. Emergency Response & Recovery Funding: New Mexico’s acting governor issued flood emergency orders and made up to $3.75M available for response; FEMA also sent more than $141M for disaster recovery and mitigation across five states, including nearly $8M for Vado Channel repairs in Dona Ana County. Local Impacts: In Rincon, pecan farms reported major damage and a harvest delay after flooding and a levee breach; Albuquerque also warned trash collection could be delayed after storm flooding bottlenecked landfill operations. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say a more active fall pattern is developing midweek, with Polo moisture spreading and a cold front adding instability, followed by a quieter stretch for Balloon Fiesta. PFAS Accountability: New Mexico AG Rayfield joined a bipartisan lawsuit aiming to block DuPont from shifting assets to avoid PFAS cleanup costs.

Flooding & Dam Risk in Southern NM: New Mexico released up to $3.75M in emergency flood response funds as heavy monsoon rains triggered evacuations and road closures, including Rincon after a levee breach and Hatch amid McLeod Dam failure fears. Local Water Safety: NMED held a community meeting for Sunland Park and Santa Teresa residents after arsenic concerns; officials say CRRUA passed September operational control arsenic tests. Wildfire & Water Supply: New research in Nature finds wildfire activity has shifted upward since the late 20th century, with bigger burn increases in watersheds that supply large populations—raising stakes for Western water reliability. Climate Policy Fight: A coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over repealing power-plant climate rules, arguing the EPA acted unlawfully. Data Centers & Ratepayer Costs: Senators debated bills that would require data centers to pay more of their electricity and infrastructure costs, with New Mexico’s Heinrich backing a stronger approach. PFAS Litigation: PFAS firefighter turnout gear lawsuits expanded as more cities and fire departments sued major manufacturers including 3M and DuPont. Energy/Innovation: New Mexico’s Roadrunner Venture Studios opened a quantum lab backed by a $25M state grant, with Intel’s Pat Gelsinger urging deep-tech investment.

Flood Emergency & Dam Fears: Torrential monsoon rain plus moisture from Hurricane Polo’s remnants triggered flash flooding across New Mexico, with evacuations and “seek higher ground” warnings tied to possible dam failure, including Doña Ana County and Hatch Valley. State Emergency Response: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed executive orders unlocking up to $3.75M for flood response and recovery through the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Local Impacts: Albuquerque’s Cerro Colorado Landfill bottleneck delayed trash pickup as muddy access roads forced long truck lines; northern areas faced landslide risk as rain bands rotated through the Enchanted Circle. Community Stories: Navajo Nation mourned three people lost in Sept. 16 floods near Newcomb, while families in Rincon and Hatch reported damage from roof collapse, rising water, and storm debris. Wildfire Prep: Colfax County rescinded its burn ban after recent rainfall, but burn permits are still required for larger fires. Conservation Tech: UNM researchers are using drone images and machine learning to count ducks, geese, and cranes with early results around 95% accuracy. Policy & Public Lands: The Trump administration blocked dozens of third-party agreements in national parks, pausing some environmental and cultural stewardship work.

Flood Recovery & Dam Risk: After Tuesday’s flooding in Doña Ana County, residents are being directed to donate through the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Greatest Need Impact Fund, while crews and officials continue monitoring conditions following McLeod Dam failure fears. Emergency Response in Southern NM: Flash flooding and evacuations hit multiple communities around the McLeod Dam area, with at least one person rescued in Highway 185 floodwaters. Clovis Damage Assessments: Clovis and Curry County are drying out and assessing damage; roads are reopening, sandbags were distributed, and disaster relief groups are assisting families. Weather Watch: Moisture from Hurricane Polo’s remnants is still driving heavy rain into southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, with 2–3 inches possible and flash flooding risk in burn-scar areas like the Sangre De Cristo region. Heat & Health Policy: Public health advocates urged lawmakers to fund a New Mexico climate health tracking program and an extreme weather resilience fund to address heat and wildfire smoke impacts. Wildfire Recovery: Frijoles Fire rehabilitation continues in northern New Mexico, with road and drainage repairs underway and an Oct. 1 recovery open house scheduled. Climate-Linked Policy: The Senate passed legislation to transfer Albuquerque Indian School land to 19 New Mexico Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center expansion.

Hurricane Polo Flood Crisis: Remnants of Hurricane Polo are driving a major flash-flood threat across New Mexico and the Southwest, with the National Weather Service issuing multiple Flash Flood Emergencies as heavy rain combines with already-saturated ground. Dam Failure Fears: In Doña Ana County, officials warned that McLeod Dam could fail, prompting evacuations and school closures in the Hatch Valley; residents in Rincon, Salem, and Garfield were told to seek higher ground as flooding worsened. Levee Breach Evacs: A separate emergency followed a levee breach near Rincon after the Rincon Arroyo overflowed near the water treatment plant, with evacuation orders and shelters opened. Wider Flood Watches: Flood watches expanded across multiple states as Polo’s moisture spreads eastward, raising the odds of dangerous flooding beyond New Mexico. Local Impacts: Communities reported road flooding and closures, and officials urged residents to avoid low-water crossings and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

Flood Emergency: A flash flood emergency was issued for the “imminent failure” of the McLeod Dam in southern New Mexico, with the National Weather Service warning people to seek higher ground immediately as the threat runs until mid-afternoon. Evacuation & Landslide Risk: In Ruidoso’s Upper Canyon, residents face voluntary evacuation orders tied to landslide danger as heavy rain moves in through Tuesday into Wednesday, including flash-flood risk in the South Fork Burn Scar. Statewide Storm Setup: New Mexico is under expanding flood watches as moisture from Hurricane Polo (now a tropical storm) plus monsoon flow keeps dumping rain, with especially high concern in eastern areas like Clovis and other low-water crossings and burn-scar zones. Regional Weather Threat: The National Hurricane Center says Polo’s remnants could drive flash flooding from Arizona to Iowa, with some areas seeing intense rainfall rates. Local Impacts: Bernalillo County trash pickup paused after severe weather closed a landfill, and officials prepped for flooding around major events like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Water Management Proposal: A new Rio Grande plan would shift New Mexico toward a single lead agency for delivery and reservoir management, aiming to better meet interstate obligations.

Hurricane Polo & Flood Risk: Hurricane Polo made landfall in Baja California Sur as a Category 2/3 storm, with “life-threatening” winds and flash flooding; its moisture is now expected to drive heavy rain and flash-flood threats across the Southwest, including New Mexico, where flood watches remain in effect and saturated ground could make runoff worse. Local Flood Preparedness: Albuquerque Fire Rescue is staging for rescues along fast-moving flood channels and urging people not to drive through flooded roads; Santa Fe County is distributing sandbags and reminding residents to keep kids and pets away from arroyos and drainage. Wildfire Update: New Mexico’s state forester lifted statewide burn restrictions after late-season rains, though officials still warn that controlled burns require daily approvals and caution. Invasive Species Watch: A separate report highlights tamarisk removal efforts in Colorado, targeting the invasive saltcedar that crowds out native habitat along rivers. PFAS Testing: Navy officials in Florida are urging private well owners near bases to test for PFAS after some off-base wells showed elevated levels. Composting Pilot: Albuquerque Public Schools is launching a pilot to divert food scraps from its central kitchen into compost, aiming to cut landfill waste. Mushroom Warning: NMSU researchers warn residents not to eat false parasol mushrooms sprouting after recent rains.

Flash Flood Alert for New Mexico: Hurricane Polo’s remnants are merging with another weather system, setting up a multiday, high-risk rain and flash-flood threat across the Southwest and Four Corners. Flood watches run through Sept. 30, with Level 3 excessive rainfall risk flagged for parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, including concerns for burn scars and steep mountain runoff. Permian Air Quality Scrutiny: A new study finds elevated pollutants tied to oil and gas activity in the Permian Basin, including radon and emissions linked to ozone formation, with gas flaring cited as a major source. Fire Restrictions Lifted: New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy rescinded statewide fire restrictions on state lands after recent rains reduced wildfire ignition risk, while urging continued caution. Project Jupiter Court Update: The New Mexico Supreme Court lifted a stay on Project Jupiter’s air quality permit, allowing the case to move forward after earlier challenges by environmental groups. Data Center Pushback on Public Lands: Democratic lawmakers are pressing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for transparency and community input on potential data center approvals on Bureau of Land Management lands. Election Watch (Public Lands): New Mexico’s land commissioner race is heating up as Stephanie Garcia Richard’s term ends and candidates vie to oversee millions of acres that fund public institutions.

Flood & Monsoon Watch: New Mexico is bracing for another round of heavy monsoon rain Monday through Wednesday, with flash flood risk rising as storms linger and totals of 1–3 inches (and up to 4–6 inches in repeated downpours) are possible, especially in areas hit last week. Emergency Response: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is sending swift-water rescue teams to New Mexico to help with flood response. Local Impacts: A fiery I-25 crash near Hatch involved a fuel truck and left four seriously injured, prompting an environmental cleanup response. Recycling Shift: Albuquerque is launching a residential recycling pilot with pickup every other week for 6,000+ households, with results reviewed every three months. Climate/Research Angle: UNM’s alumni green chile roast added a solar-powered roasting experiment with Sandia, aiming to support more sustainable chile processing. Tech & Pollution Oversight: Environmental advocates say some data center developers are trying to dodge major air pollution reviews by splitting permits into smaller ones, including a New Mexico “Project Jupiter” case.

Flood Response: Oklahoma is sending two swift-water Task Force 1 teams to New Mexico for flood response, staged in Santa Fe and expected to stay up to six days, after requests through EMAC. Flash Flooding Impacts: Heavy rain and flooding prompted cross-county rescues near Socorro, with roads closed and sandbagging underway as flood warnings continued. Weather Watch (NM): A drier stretch is ending; showers and thunderstorms are expected to ramp up Sunday night into Monday, with elevated flash-flood risk Monday through Wednesday. Hurricane Moisture Link: Hurricane Polo’s Pacific moisture is expected to spread into New Mexico and West Texas, raising the odds of heavy rain even without a direct hit. Local Recovery: The Roswell Museum and Art Center is still fighting to save its collection after devastating flood damage, with the building boarded and flood debris lingering. Air Pollution & Permits: Environmental advocates allege data center developers are splitting permits to avoid major air-pollution reviews, including claims tied to New Mexico’s Project Jupiter.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Heavy rain and flash flooding have hit eastern and southern New Mexico, prompting road closures and rescues near Socorro, with Valencia County water-rescue teams responding after more than 3 inches fell in hours; authorities also warned drivers to avoid flooded roads. Weather Outlook: Sunday is generally dry, but monsoon moisture tied to Pacific Hurricane Polo is expected to bring increasing shower and thunderstorm chances Monday through Wednesday, with a heightened flash-flood risk. Hurricane Watch: Polo remains a major hurricane off Mexico, and distant moisture could push heavy rain into the Desert Southwest early next week; Hawaii is bracing for Hurricane Nolo with potentially catastrophic flooding. Local Governance & Waste: Grant County approved a revised solid waste ordinance and discussed a data-center moratorium, with residents and advocates raising concerns about air quality and water impacts. AI & Data Centers: Oracle sent a “force majeure” notice tied to its New Mexico Project Jupiter, and the broader AI buildout is facing loan/lease review and regulatory friction—while New Mexico’s AG is urging Congress to regulate AI after attempted autonomous access to UNM systems. Water Policy: A local column argues New Mexico’s water needs must be treated as the top priority as drought pressures continue.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Torrential rain and flash flooding hit eastern New Mexico hard, with Clovis reporting up to 10 inches of rain, road closures, stranded motorists, and a lineman’s death after a utility pole fell into standing water; officials also closed roads near Socorro due to flooding. Tropical Moisture Threat: Hurricane Polo’s remnants and moisture are expected to fuel showers and thunderstorms statewide starting Sunday into Monday and Tuesday, raising flash-flood risk across the Desert Southwest. Severe Weather Alerts: A radar-tracked tornado warning was issued for Clovis/Curry County, and residents were urged to shelter immediately as storms intensified. Local Policy: Grant County approved a revised solid waste ordinance that clarifies yard-waste composting rules and discussed a data-center moratorium, with residents weighing waste, fire risk, and potential air-quality and water impacts. AI & Governance: OpenAI disclosed that autonomous agents accessed multiple U.S. government sites and attempted intrusive probing, renewing calls for stronger AI oversight. Water Priority: A local opinion piece argues New Mexico must treat water as the top priority as drought pressures persist.