AGP Executive Report

AI & Water/Power Clash in Southern NM: Oracle and OpenAI unveiled revised plans for “Project Jupiter” in Santa Teresa, promising big cuts in nitrogen oxide emissions, but Las Cruces-area lawmakers and residents say the project still threatens local air and water. Statewide Data Center Moratorium Push: Four Democratic lawmakers announced they’ll seek a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers next session, arguing New Mexico must set guardrails for water, energy demand, emissions, and community impacts before more approvals. Utility Oversight: New Mexico regulators ordered PNM and Blackstone to undo a controversial $400M stock sale and pay $300k in fines, citing state-law violations tied to approval steps. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Albuquerque and Bernalillo County issued a smoke health alert tied to the Sacaton Fire, urging people with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity. Heat & Fire Risk: A dangerous heat wave is driving extreme Fourth of July conditions nationwide, with many municipalities canceling fireworks due to wildfire danger. Invasive Livestock Disease Watch: Experts held a workshop on the New World screwworm, stressing prevention and surveillance as cases are confirmed in Texas and New Mexico. FEMA Preparedness Gap: Western governors discussed FEMA’s disaster priorities, saying federal support still leans toward hurricanes and floods while wildfire needs get less attention. Water Emergency in Estancia: After wells ran dry, Estancia hauled in water and reduced sales to a detention facility, highlighting how drought strains communities and major customers.

Data Centers: Santa Fe County approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center development, cutting the review threshold from 100 megawatts to 1 megawatt and adding stronger environmental justice and cumulative-impact protections. Wildfire Safety & Smoke: Fire shelters can be a last line of defense, but officials stress they don’t guarantee survival; meanwhile, smoke from New Mexico’s Sacaton Fire is pushing into Albuquerque and nearby areas, with air quality impacts and renewed fire-weather concerns. Wildfire Outlook: Federal updates show dozens of large fires across the U.S. covering hundreds of thousands of acres, with red flag conditions persisting in parts of New Mexico and the region. Water Crisis: Estancia, N.M., is hauling in water as wells run dry and has reduced sales to a nearby detention facility, while officials move toward drilling a new well. Public Health: New Mexico launched statewide mosquito surveillance to track species and viruses like West Nile as conditions change. Heat & Storms: Forecasts call for hot, dry conditions with limited storm chances, plus damaging wind and hail risk in eastern New Mexico.

Wildfire Watch: Dry, windy conditions are keeping fire danger high across north-central New Mexico and the Four Corners, with forecasts calling for extremely low humidity and gusty winds that can prolong burn periods, while eastern New Mexico also faces strong to severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and lightning. Fire Response: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved $500,000 in emergency funding as multiple blazes burn, including the McCauley Springs Fire and the fast-growing Beehive Fire near Tres Piedras. Oil & Gas Cleanup: The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission approved tougher bonding requirements to ensure operators pay more for plugging and cleanup of high-risk and inactive wells. Water Crisis & Tribes: A Colorado River settlement aimed at Native communities in northern Arizona is being blocked by Upper Basin states, leaving some families without running water. Local Data Center Pushback: Santa Fe County adopted an 18-month moratorium on data center permits to set rules for water, energy, and noise. Community Water Stress: Estancia, N.M., is hauling in water after wells run dry, and a detention facility is its biggest water customer. Policy & Public Records: A New Mexico public records task force heard complaints that IPRA requests are overwhelming local agencies, including law enforcement.

Wildfire Response: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved $500,000 for statewide wildfires, including the McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs, as officials report at least 16 fires burning and warn conditions could worsen. Fire Safety & Heat: A prolonged heat wave is forecast to push dangerous fire weather risk in parts of New Mexico, while July 4 fireworks restrictions and warnings spread across the West. Local Fire Updates: Santa Fe National Forest reported McCauley Springs at about 712 acres with 43% containment, plus crews assisting a new Rendocito Fire start near Valles Caldera. Water Stress: Cibola County’s monitoring shows Bluewater Lake and the Rio San Jose continuing a slow decline tied to limited precipitation and ongoing drought. River Crisis Spotlight: New Mexico Wild held a community gathering in Albuquerque to highlight the Rio Grande drying early in the city—an earliest-recorded moment—underscoring statewide water trouble. Wildlife Safety: The New Mexico Department of Wildlife urged bear precautions as sightings rise in urban and recreation areas, stressing secure trash and never feeding bears. Innovation: UT Austin researchers unveiled a wearable jacket that harvests moisture from the air to produce drinkable water, offering a potential tool for water-scarce settings.

Wildfire Response in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $3.5 million in emergency funding for wildland firefighting, including $500,000 for the state’s emergency management and a specific callout for the McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs as it reached about 43% containment. Fire Weather Watch: Forecasts warn of drier, hotter conditions and “dry lightning” risks that could spark new fires, plus severe storm threats in eastern New Mexico with damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours. Colorado-Utah Border Tragedy: Three federal firefighters died in a burnover while battling the Snyder Fire; reporting says they tried to deploy tent-like shelters as flames overtook them. Water Stress Across the West: Arizona water officials are working to avoid “extremely draconian” Colorado River cuts, as federal rules for managing the river are expected later this summer. Permitting for Broadband: New Mexico launched a free online Permit Finder Tool to help broadband builders quickly identify local, state, and federal permits—aimed at speeding high-speed internet expansion. Energy Grid Push: Western governors backed a multi-state task force to update transmission lines, citing rising demand from AI, manufacturing, and electric vehicles.

Wildfire Safety & Weather: McCauley Springs Fire evacuees are starting to return as containment rises to about 43% and the estimated burn area drops to roughly 712 acres, while crews shift to repairs and restoration. Fire Risk Ahead: Tuesday’s forecast calls for a mix of hazards—storms that can bring strong winds, hail, and lightning in parts of eastern New Mexico, plus dry lightning and elevated fire danger elsewhere. Federal Funding Cuts: A new state report says the Trump administration clawed back more than $177 million in federal grants from New Mexico agencies, including nearly $156 million tied to “Solar for All” help for low-income communities. Water & Drought Pressure: A new op-ed argues New Mexico’s drought crisis is being worsened by mega-dairies, citing billions of gallons of water use and calling for limits on new and expanding operations. Public Safety Accountability: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is demanding federal “reparations” after alleging DEA tactics let fentanyl flood New Mexico without state notice, pushing for Congress to bar similar operations. Western Wildfire Tragedy: Across the border, three firefighters were killed in a Colorado-Utah blaze while deploying emergency shelters, underscoring how extreme conditions are driving deadly outcomes.

Wildfire Safety in the West: Three firefighters died in a Colorado-Utah border blaze after deploying tent-like emergency shelters, underscoring how fast burnovers can happen when heat and wind drive extreme fire behavior. New Mexico Fire Weather: Forecasters warn that dry conditions plus lightning and gusty storms can spike fire danger heading into the July 4 period, with elevated threats flagged for parts of the state. Local Water Protection: Chaves County commissioners approved a resolution to prioritize and protect water for agriculture and community stability, calling for “all viable” options as shortages intensify. Outdoor Safety: Albuquerque Fire Rescue rescued an injured hiker in the Sandia Mountains and urged hikers to plan for rapidly changing monsoon conditions with extra water, charged phones, and offline maps. Air Pollution Research: Scientists identified a Houston coal plant as a dominant source of cloud-forming aerosols, linking industrial emissions to particles that can travel deep into lungs. New Mexico Fentanyl Fallout: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham demanded federal reparations after allegations the DEA allowed fentanyl pills to flood the state, with state leaders pushing for accountability and reimbursement. Produced Water Recycling: Select Water and ISE Chemicals announced plans to recover iodine from produced water using existing oilfield infrastructure in New Mexico and the Permian region.

Wildfire Crisis: A “particularly dangerous situation” Red Flag warning is in place across the American West as fast-moving blazes—linked to the Snyder Fire complex—prompt fireworks bans and Independence Day cancellations, after three federal wildland firefighters died in a burnover on the Colorado-Utah border. Heat Watch: A major July Fourth week heat wave is putting about 145 million people under heat alerts, with heat indexes potentially topping 105–115°F, raising the risk of heat illness. PFAS Cleanup Talks: New Mexico and U.S. Air Force officials are progressing on a cleanup plan for PFAS “forever chemicals” contaminating groundwater around Cannon Air Force Base, a case that’s been tied up in court for years. Air Quality & Health: The 2026 wildfire season is already burning about double the usual acreage for this point in the year, with smoke carrying health-harming fine particles across dozens of states. Local Weather: New Mexico is bracing for breezy, dry conditions with Red Flag Warnings in parts of the state and possible brief storms in the east. Microplastics: New research continues to link plastics exposure to health risks, even as regulation lags behind.

Wildfire Tragedy: Blistering heat, strong winds, and drought pushed the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border into extreme behavior, killing three firefighters and injuring two after a burnover incident forced crews to deploy emergency shelters; the U.S. Wildland Fire Service says an interagency review is underway as the blaze grows and evacuations loom. New Mexico Fire Weather: A fresh round of hot, dry, and windy conditions is expected to raise fire danger across New Mexico, with red flag warnings and possible storm-driven wind and hail threats. Water Stress Beyond NM: Arizona is exploring a desalinated water swap with California to offset Colorado River cuts, while negotiations among basin states remain stalled—another reminder that water scarcity is driving big, expensive decisions. Local Infrastructure & Costs: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1, and Albuquerque adds speed cameras—both tied to state and city funding for roads and safety. Care Capacity Gap: New Mexico has only 31 adult day programs statewide, with 19 counties lacking any, raising concerns for seniors and caregivers as dementia diagnoses climb.

Wildfire Fatalities on the CO-UT Border: Three firefighters were killed and two injured during a burnover incident while responding to the Knowles and Gore fires, now merged into the Snyder fire, as extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds keep driving fast-moving blazes across the West. New Mexico Fire Weather: A Sunday forecast warns of hot, dry, and windy conditions with red-flag fire danger and gusts that could reach damaging speeds, plus possible smoke and isolated outages. Water Stress and the Colorado River: Negotiations among Colorado River states reportedly broke down without a post-deadline management plan, while a new Bureau of Reclamation study flags potential low Lake Powell levels affecting Glen Canyon Dam power. EV Policy Uncertainty: New Mexico’s 2027 EV sales mandate remains in legal limbo, with dealers saying they won’t comply after a court challenge was rejected—leaving buyers and the market in limbo. Data Centers vs. Water: A new report raises concerns that proposed AI data centers sit above or near the Ogallala Aquifer, putting fresh pressure on groundwater already vital to agriculture. Local Infrastructure: The EIC approved up to $500,000 for a sewer line design project in Quinlan Creek to support north-side development.

Wildfire Watch (New Mexico): The McCauley Springs Fire in the Jemez Ranger District has triggered evacuations in Sandoval County and the Santa Fe National Forest, with about 722 acres burned and 0% containment; Highway 4 is closed in the affected stretch, power is being cut east of Thompson Ridge, and a community meeting is set for June 28. Fire Weather: Across the Four Corners, officials warn that gusty winds, very dry air, and lightning from dry thunderstorms are creating “extremely critical” fire danger that could help new blazes ignite and spread fast. Water & Climate (Rio Grande): A local writer describes the Caballo Dam release refilling the Rio Grande after a long dry stretch, highlighting how water management shapes wildlife and river life. Local Infrastructure: Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation approved up to $500,000 for design of a Quinlan Creek sewer line to relieve capacity limits and support north-side development. Public Health/Environment: New research flags major gaps in surveillance for the Oropouche virus, estimating millions of infections across Latin America and the Caribbean since 1960.

Wildfire & Fire Weather: Extremely critical fire danger is set to hit the Four Corners this weekend as dry, windy conditions and lightning risk threaten fast-growing blazes across the Southwest, with Utah’s Cottonwood Fire expanding and crews facing “unprecedented” fire behavior. New Mexico Evacuations: In Sandoval County and the Santa Fe National Forest, the McCauley Springs Fire is growing with evacuations ordered and power cutoffs affecting communities east of Thompson Ridge, while Highway 4 closures and camp shutdowns are in place. Local Monitoring & Preparedness: State and federal updates emphasize red-flag conditions and smoke impacts that could reach Albuquerque and nearby communities. Conservation Spotlight: A threatened narrow-headed gartersnake recovery effort reached a milestone with the 100th snake released into the wild in Arizona, using monitoring to support the species’ long-term survival. Water & Climate Context: Forecasts point to hot, dry, breezy conditions across New Mexico, with rain chances thinning—an added backdrop for drought-stressed ecosystems.

DEA fentanyl probe in New Mexico: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez opened a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents let large fentanyl shipments reach communities in the state while pursuing bigger cases, and he says the inquiry will seek legal remedies including prosecution and structural reforms. Severe weather in New Mexico: Thunderstorms are continuing across central and northern New Mexico, with damaging outflow winds up to 55 mph the main risk; a wind advisory is also in effect for western areas as conditions turn hotter and drier. Western wildfire pressure: Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency as the Cottonwood Fire expanded amid dry, windy conditions and rare “particularly dangerous” fire weather warnings. Water stress beyond NM: Lake Powell hit its lowest summer level on record, raising concerns for the Colorado River system that supplies water and power across multiple states. Local environment education: Alice Smith Elementary unveiled student-created bird murals tied to Audubon’s mural project, highlighting climate-driven bird declines.

Microplastics & Nanoplastics: A new look at micro- and nanoplastics finds they’re showing up in the environment and even human tissues, with ingestion flagged as a key exposure route and researchers warning that clinical guidance is still limited. AI & Water Use: A report says AI’s water footprint is wildly inconsistent depending on what’s counted—cooling water, electricity generation, and assumptions about efficiency—so there’s no single “true” number. New Mexico Weather & Fire Risk: Scattered storms return today, but the weekend trends drier and windier, with red-flag fire danger possible. Wildfire Pressure in the West: Federal updates describe extreme conditions driving large, uncontained fires across the region. BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Rules: A proposed BLM change would make it easier and cheaper to lease public lands for drilling, including bonding changes that could shift cleanup costs. Water Stress in NM: Reporting highlights how drought and shrinking river flows are reshaping water planning and daily life across the state. Colorado River Fallout: Coverage reiterates that the river’s decline is forcing hard choices among states and communities.

Flood Safety in Albuquerque: Albuquerque Fire Rescue says a person was pulled from a flood channel after reports they were swept away near Carlisle and the Embudo/North Diversion Channel, with crews standing by until water receded. Severe Storms Watch: Forecasts warn of thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and damaging outflow winds across New Mexico, including the Albuquerque metro and parts of the north and west. Colorado River Crisis: Lake Powell is at its lowest summer level ever, with federal projections pointing toward “minimum power pool” next spring and the risk of “dead pool” if declines continue. Wildfire Prevention: The National Park Service Pueblo Parks Group is moving to Stage II fire restrictions (no fires, smoking limits, and tighter rules on equipment) due to elevated wildfire risk. Local Nature Upgrade: ABQ BioPark’s Children’s Fantasy Garden is getting a $5.5 million redesign shaped by community input, adding new sensory and kinetic play areas. Public Health & Food Safety: Albuquerque Environmental Health posted its latest restaurant inspection grades, including a list of establishments with major violations. Fentanyl Accountability: New Mexico lawmakers are demanding answers from the DEA after allegations agents allowed fentanyl to reach state streets.

Drought Emergency: The Navajo Nation declared a formal drought state of emergency, citing strained water supplies, falling forage, and worsening conditions for ranchers and families. Wildfire Watch: The McCauley Springs Fire in the Jemez Mountains surged past 300 acres with evacuations and road closures as crews used retardant drops and strategic firing operations. Water Stress in the West: Arizona is exploring a costly desalinated Pacific water swap to offset Colorado River cuts, while the broader basin negotiation remains stuck. Colorado River Pressure: A Utah senator warned Colorado River states could lose conservation aid if they sue each other over water rights. Data Center Pushback: Raton residents are organizing against a proposed multi-phase data center feasibility study, citing water, power, and quality-of-life concerns. Hydrogen Water Concerns: Local opponents in Questa say a fast-tracked hydrogen plan could worsen already-diminished stream flows and threaten wells and municipal supplies. Public Health & Safety: New Mexico leaders demanded action after reports that DEA agents allegedly let fentanyl shipments reach the state; separately, USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in southeastern New Mexico, keeping livestock vigilance front and center. Community Resilience: Albuquerque’s “Rio Rally” scavenger hunt is encouraging water conservation through family-friendly, citywide participation.