AGP Executive Report

Heat & Storm Safety: A heat dome is holding over New Mexico through the week, with temperatures near/above 100°F and monsoon moisture boosting the odds of strong to severe storms—damaging wind, hail, heavy rain, and localized flash flooding—especially near Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Las Vegas, and Raton. Pets in Danger: Albuquerque Animal Welfare urges residents not to leave pets in parked cars, to walk during cooler hours, protect paws from hot pavement, and watch for heat exhaustion signs—calling 311 for urgent help. Wildfire Heritage Risk: A new national study finds wildfire exposure threatens more than half of U.S. National Register historic sites, with thousands facing severe risk. Chaco Canyon Fight: Diné leaders and other community members are pressing the BLM to keep a long-standing oil and gas ban around Chaco, warning that revoking protections would endanger sacred lands. Recycling Funding: EPA awarded over $2.1M to the Pueblo of Isleta and Pueblo de Cochiti for recycling expansion and a centralized composting program to cut landfill use. Power Reliability: With extreme heat raising blackout fears, DOE authorized emergency grid measures affecting 17 states, including New Mexico. Local Data Center Tensions: In Santa Teresa, Project Jupiter opponents and supporters clashed at a county meeting, leading to arrests and renewed scrutiny over environmental impacts.

Water & Wildfire Risk Shifts: After monsoon storms brought flash flooding and lightning across western New Mexico, the U.S. Forest Service lifted Stage II fire restrictions on the Mount Taylor and Magdalena ranger districts, though officials stressed fire season isn’t over. Heat & Power Reliability: Extreme heat is pushing the grid to the brink, with the U.S. Department of Energy authorizing backup power activation in 17 states, including New Mexico, putting about 20 million Americans at blackout risk. River Protection Fight: New Mexico is seeking stronger protections for parts of the Gila River, raising big questions about what it could mean for the river’s future across Arizona. Urban Wildlife & Human Impacts: A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study found human infrastructure is the top cause of Cooper’s hawk deaths in Albuquerque, pointing to collisions with windows, fences, and power lines. Public Health Watch: CDC updates show cyclospora cases have surged, with thousands of domestically acquired infections now reported across more states. Local Water Conservation: Las Vegas, N.M., moved to Stage 3 water conservation, tightening outdoor watering and other nonessential uses. Climate-Driven Water Stress: A Rio Grande settlement means New Mexico must reduce well pumping that depletes flows to Texas, with compliance costs expected to be steep as the basin dries. Home Insurance Pressure: New Mexico saw a record number of homeowners lose insurance non-renewals in 2025, largely tied to wildfire and flood risk.

Flash Flood & Heat Watch: A flash flood warning hit Socorro and Valencia County until 10:15 p.m. after thunderstorms dumped 1–3 inches, with more rain possible and flooding risks for low spots, underpasses, and small creeks. Monsoon Weather Outlook: A flash flood watch remains in parts of northern, central and western New Mexico as storms could bring localized downpours over the Pecos region and around Gallup and Zuni Pueblo, while heat stays intense. Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over reports a 15-year-old was left at the U.S.-Mexico border and told to cross alone, seeking a restraining order and the teen’s return to New Mexico. Data Centers & Local Control: Sierra County approved an 18-month data center moratorium, while Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter meeting turned chaotic with arrests amid renewed scrutiny of environmental and local oversight. PFAS Labeling Guidance: NM Environment Department updated PFAS labeling guidance to help businesses and consumers comply with the state’s PFAS Protection Act. Wildfire Response: Crews responded to a small wildfire near Wheeler Peak in Carson National Forest as monsoon lightning and dry conditions keep fire risk active. Water Infrastructure: Taos urged conservation after a leak and malfunction dropped water tank levels to “critically low” for some users. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Mapping: USGS used satellite observations to map breeding habitat for the endangered bird across its range, helping track habitat change and threats over time. Wildlife Invasives & Fire Risk: Arizona researchers are targeting buffelgrass and other invasive grasses to better predict and reduce desert wildfire risk. Colorado River Pressure: Reporting says Lower Basin states could face major Colorado River cuts under a federal plan, with deeper reductions later. Local Power Provider Merger: Residents packed UNM to oppose Blackstone’s proposed $11.5 billion takeover of PNM, raising ratepayer and process concerns.

Chaco Canyon Oil & Gas Fight: The BLM is weighing whether to roll back a 20-year mineral withdrawal that blocked new drilling near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, with options ranging from shrinking a 10-mile buffer to eliminating protections—comment deadlines are tight, and Native and conservation advocates say the process is moving too fast. Water Under Pressure in Taos: Taos is asking residents to conserve after a leak and malfunction in its automated water tank system dropped storage to “critically low” levels, leaving some users without pressure while repairs continue. Flood-Ready Roads in Santa Fe County: A new all-weather crossing over Arroyo Hondo on Los Pinos Road replaces a low-water crossing that flooded and disrupted access during storms. Heat & Grid Stress: New Mexico is under heat advisories with triple-digit highs and isolated flash-flood risk, while a federal emergency order lets the Southwest Power Pool tap backup generation across 17 states through Aug. 3 to reduce blackout risk. Wildfire Conditions Ease in Cibola: Fire restrictions lifted for two Cibola National Forest districts after monsoon moisture improved conditions, though other districts still have limits. Colorado River Species Update: Federal wildlife officials downlisted the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened, drawing both praise for recovery and criticism that drought-era risks remain. Broadband for Disasters: Lincoln County is building an alternate fiber route to keep internet service running during wildfires and floods, funded by state and federal disaster recovery money.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The U.S. is weighing major reductions as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows, with Arizona, California and Nevada proposing 1.6 million acre-feet in cuts while federal options could be nearly double—raising costs, outdoor limits, and farm impacts. Flood Response in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $500,000 in state resources for flood and flash-flood response, including sandbags, communications help, and National Guard support. Heat + Blackout Risk: The DOE put 17 states—including New Mexico—under an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap backup power to prevent heat-driven outages. Local Flooding + Guard Deployment: The New Mexico National Guard deployed 14 troops to Zuni Pueblo after severe flooding. Grid Modernization: UNM is getting $9.6 million to electrify campus heating, add battery storage, and cut emissions. Species Protection Fight: Environmental groups say the Forest Service rewrote protections for imperiled species on the Santa Fe National Forest and hid key biological documents. Pollinator Boost: Summer rains are bringing blooms for native pollinators across New Mexico. Energy Infrastructure + Rates: The Truth or Consequences commission approved utility rate increases and public works funding. Labor + Schools: South Valley Academy educators became the first NM charter school workforce to unionize with Teamsters. FERC Methane Fast-Track: Sierra Club urged FERC to reconsider expanding “blanket certificate” approvals that could speed up methane infrastructure with less review.

Heat & Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including New Mexico, allowing the Southwest Power Pool to tap backup generation as extreme heat strains grids and raises blackout fears. Flood Response in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $500,000 for western New Mexico flood recovery, including sandbags and National Guard support; the New Mexico National Guard also deployed 14 service members to help Zuni Pueblo with engineering support and swift-water readiness. Water Infrastructure Funding: The EPA awarded $30 million to help small and rural communities strengthen drinking water and wastewater systems, including support for private well owners with PFAS testing and lead service line identification. Public Health Alert—Salmonella Eggs: FDA and CDC updates say nearly 100 people in 17 states have been sickened and 26 hospitalized in a Salmonella outbreak tied to a recall of about 1.6 million dozen eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, with New Mexico listed among distribution states. Local Agriculture Resilience: Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced the CHILE Act to deliver $5 billion in federal assistance for New Mexico specialty crop farmers facing extreme weather and economic instability.

Heat & Storms: Triple-digit temperatures are set to continue across New Mexico with heat advisories in parts of the state, while monsoon moisture keeps flash-flood risk in play and officials urge people to avoid arroyos, ditches, and water-covered roads. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order sending emergency funds to help western communities hit by recent flooding, including Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. Colorado River: The federal government is preparing to release a post-2026 Colorado River plan, as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows and basin states remain stuck in disagreements over future cuts. Wildlife & Power: A black bear died after being stranded on a high-voltage utility pole, sparking outrage over delayed rescue efforts. Oil & Gas Accountability: New Mexico’s land commissioner says there are now zero “stripper well” participants in the state’s subsidy program and is calling for repeal. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened nearly 100 people across multiple states, including New Mexico retailers. Livestock Health: New World screwworm has been detected in South Texas and expanded northward, with one case reported in New Mexico—raising alarms for animal health officials. Mining Pressure: New Mexico is seeing a surge in new mining claims, with thousands staked since 2023 as extraction interest accelerates.

Flood Watch & Storm Warnings: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southwestern McKinley County, with thunderstorms bringing heavy rain near Zuni Pueblo; officials urged people to avoid arroyos and flooded roads and remember “turn around, don’t drown.” Flood Recovery Funding: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized emergency funds to help communities hit by July flooding, including Gallup and Zuni Pueblo, for temporary housing, food, and health care. Wildfire/Heat Extremes: A new look at Western weather highlights the whiplash problem—monsoon moisture raising flood risk in the Southwest while hot, dry conditions keep wildfire danger high in the Pacific Northwest. Food Safety: A major egg recall tied to possible Salmonella contamination affects nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs sold at Kroger and Brookshire’s, including in New Mexico. Water Stress Beyond NM: A report on Colorado ranchers shows water hauling is becoming routine as Upper Colorado River Basin snowpack hits record lows—another reminder of how climate-driven drought ripples across the region. Wildlife Tragedy: A black bear died after being stranded on a 7,200-volt power pole in New Mexico, sparking outrage over delayed rescue.

Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an order to allocate $500,000 for New Mexico flood response, including sandbags, communications gear, and National Guard support for places hit hard like Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. Monsoon & Heat Hazards: Forecasts keep dialing up heat and daily storm chances, with flash-flood risk where storms stall; Albuquerque saw its heaviest rain of the season and major wind gusts during monsoon activity. Land & Forest Service Deal: After decades of conflict, New Mexico land grant and Forest Service negotiations are moving forward, with local families seeking better access and forest thinning after major fire impacts. Clean Energy Grants Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on the political identity of recipient states, drawing charges of weaponizing federal power. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to Texas-based Midwest Poultry Services has triggered recalls of more than 19 million eggs, with 98 reported illnesses across 17 states. Wildlife Tragedy: A black bear died after being stranded on a 7,200-volt utility pole in New Mexico, sparking outrage over the response. Sandia Pueblo Land Control: Sandia Pueblo is pushing legislation to regain management of nearly 10,000 acres on the Sandia Mountains, arguing for protection of sacred sites while opponents worry about public access.

Flooding & Monsoon Alerts: A flood watch and flash flood warnings are active across New Mexico as monsoon storms roll in, with arroyos filling in Albuquerque and heavy rain expected through the weekend; officials are urging people to avoid flowing water and flooded roads. Emergency Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized up to $250,000 in emergency funds for communities hit by July flooding, including Gallup and Zuni Pueblo, to support temporary housing, food, and health care. Clean Energy Politics: The Trump administration acknowledged in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on which states voted for Kamala Harris—sparking fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Water Stress & Big Projects: New Colorado River operating rules are expected after 2026, while a proposed 330-megawatt AI data center in California is again raising alarms by seeking Colorado River water despite earlier promises not to use it. Wildlife & Power Infrastructure: A black bear died after being stranded and electrocuted on a 7,200-volt utility pole in New Mexico, drawing outrage over delayed rescue. Local Conservation: Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting a meet-and-greet for anglers and river updates in Los Alamos. Workforce & Tech Access: UNM-Gallup ran a fiber optic bootcamp aimed at closing the digital divide, and UNM-Gallup also announced leadership changes in community education and workforce development. Air Quality Threat: New Mexico dust storms are highlighted as a growing air-quality and health risk, with 2025 seeing record-breaking activity.

Monsoon Flooding in New Mexico: Flash flood warnings hit the Albuquerque metro and nearby areas as arroyos rose fast, with officials urging “turn around, don’t drown” after heavy thunderstorms. Local Emergency Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an order authorizing up to $250,000 for New Mexico National Guard support for flood-impacted communities like Gallup and Zuni Pueblo. Severe Weather Alerts: The National Weather Service also issued a life-threatening flash flood warning for southwestern McKinley County and warned of dangerous flooding in the Ruidoso Downs area near the South Fork burn scar. Data Centers vs. Water and Emissions: New Mexico lawmakers proposed a 2027 moratorium on large data centers until the state sets a framework for water use, energy demand, emissions, and ratepayer impacts, targeting Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa. Livestock Screwworm Update: USDA announced a phased reopening of southern U.S./Mexico livestock ports of entry, including steps to reopen New Mexico ports contingent on Mexico’s screwworm control plan. Uranium Mine Cleanup: Cleanup work began for toxic mine waste on the Navajo Nation near Church Rock, a long-delayed EPA priority. Coal Ash Rule Reversal: EPA reversed course and allowed Salt River Project to keep using a clay liner on a coal ash evaporation pond at Coronado Generating Station.

Flood Response in Zuni Pueblo: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed emergency orders to speed help for flood-torn areas, including sandbags, communications support, and National Guard deployment after Zuni Pueblo reported major damage. Diesel Rules Shift: The EPA updated Biden-era diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) regulations, aiming to prevent engine slowdowns tied to deratements—an issue affecting farmers, ranchers, and truck drivers across the region. Wildfire Insurance Stress: New Mexico insurers are dropping wildfire-area homeowners at record rates, with non-renewals spiking in 2025 and concentrated in northern counties like Rio Arriba, Taos, Sandoval, and Santa Fe. Monsoon Heat & Flood Risk: A Heat Advisory hit parts of southern New Mexico while storms shifted toward northeast areas, with Saturday looking wetter and higher flood potential. Animal Health Alert (Screwworm): New World screwworm continues to spread after detection in Texas, with New Mexico reporting a case as of July 23—prompting new transport restrictions for pets and livestock. Mining Boom Pressure: A review finds companies filed more than 12,000 mining claims in New Mexico since 2023—far above the previous century—raising concerns about permitting and impacts. Food Safety: Nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs were recalled across multiple Southern states, including New Mexico, after routine monitoring flagged possible Salmonella contamination. Chaco Canyon Protection Fight: Pueblos and lawmakers renewed calls to stop efforts to revoke the drilling buffer around Chaco Canyon, warning the change would open the area to extraction.

Dust & Air Quality: New Mexico’s dust storms are climbing fast, with NOAA reporting 50 sand-and-dust events in the state from January to March 2025—raising risks for health, transportation, and even renewable power. Flood Watch: Storms are primed to bring heavy rain across New Mexico, with flash-flood risk rising as downpours can hit up to 2 inches per hour. Water Stress: Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at record-low levels, and Lake Powell is nearing the minimum power pool that could threaten hydropower and drive up costs across the Southwest. PFAS Fight: A new federal lawsuit challenges New Mexico’s PFAS labeling rule, arguing the state’s warning requirement violates limits on compelled commercial speech. Food Safety: FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling about 1.6 million dozen eggs sold in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi due to possible Salmonella contamination. Wildlife & Power Lines: A bear died after climbing onto a utility pole in rural New Mexico, underscoring how dangerous human infrastructure can be for wildlife.

FEMA Funding Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of states sued the Trump administration to block new conditions on FEMA anti-terrorism and disaster-prep grants, arguing the rules unlawfully tie public safety money to immigration enforcement and election changes. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs after Salmonella Enteritidis concerns, with affected cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire’s locations including New Mexico; officials say no illnesses reported. Wildlife & Public Safety: A bear died after getting stranded on a New Mexico utility pole, prompting wildlife officials to urge people not to approach or feed bears. Local Access: Homeowners near Laguna Pueblo say a locked gate on the only official road is creating safety and access problems for emergency response. Water Stress: New Mexico trout stocking is being reduced or paused in some waters as heat and low water levels worsen conditions for cold-water species. Cleanup Work: Agencies are starting cleanup at the Northeast Church Rock uranium mine on the Navajo Nation, targeting major mine-waste removal. Monsoon Risk: Flash flood watches and warnings continue across parts of the region as storms roll in, with burn scars raising debris-flow danger.

Chaco Canyon Protection Push: New Mexico’s congressional delegation and Pueblo leaders rallied in Washington to oppose a BLM proposal that would revoke a 2023 order protecting a 10-mile buffer around Chaco Canyon from oil and gas extraction, with lawmakers warning the change would sacrifice sacred lands. Colorado River Water Crisis: Federal officials say new Colorado River rules are coming next week as Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record lows, raising the stakes for New Mexico and other basin states facing possible mandatory cutbacks. Monsoon Flooding in New Mexico: Forecasters report shifting storm threats and continued heat, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk in parts of western and northern New Mexico, including the San Juan River Valley and areas near burn scars. Gallup Flood Recovery: Businesses in Gallup are still assessing damage after severe flooding, with residents describing it as among the worst they’ve seen. Elephant Butte Lake Low-Water Response: State Parks is clearing debris and adjusting boat ramp access as Elephant Butte Reservoir drops, citing drought and climate change while keeping the park open with safety guidance. Data Center Moratoriums: Sierra County approved an 18-month moratorium on large-scale data centers amid concerns about groundwater, water availability, and rural impacts, following similar county actions. NMED Harmful Algal Bloom Warning: New Mexico environment officials warned of harmful algal blooms in state waters, urging caution around affected areas. DOE Genesis Mission: Sandia National Laboratories was selected to lead six AI-driven science projects under the Genesis Mission, including work tied to climate and water systems.

Monsoon Flood Watch: More heavy rain could bring flash flooding again across western New Mexico, with Flood Watches covering parts of the Four Corners, the Gila/Sacramento Mountains, and areas around Ruidoso and the northwest. Water Stress: Elephant Butte Lake is seeing low water levels as the Bureau of Reclamation releases water to meet Rio Grande obligations, exposing debris and raising algae-bloom concerns. Drought Reality Check: Cibola County remains locked in extreme drought, even as localized storms briefly boost lake and stream readings—drought is still expected to persist through late July. Harmful Algal Blooms: The New Mexico Environment Department launched a Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Map to guide residents on when to avoid contact or drinking untreated surface water. Species Protection Rollback: Federal endangered species habitat protections are being removed, and states warn they can’t fully replace the safeguards. Ruidoso Downs Flood Fallout: The Gaming Control Board will discuss the closure of Ruidoso Downs after flooding damaged infrastructure, threatening a major local revenue source. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a dog (reclassified to New Mexico) and a new case in a Texas goat, prompting heightened monitoring near the Texas-New Mexico border.