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PNM Explains a Few Facts About Renewables

NewsNM note - We received this from PNM recently - There could be a lot more solar and other forms of renewable energy in your future. What would happen if we went 100 percent solar right away?

We are committed to meeting the requirements of the New Mexico Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires investor-owned utilities to have 15 percent renewable energy generation by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020. In the past two years we have installed 22 megawatts of solar energy and we now have enough solar and wind energy to power more than 80,000 homes. We've also provided energy efficiency programs to help our customers save 192 gigawatt hours of energy. While it might be nice to consider replacing coal-generated electricity with wind and solar immediately, unfortunately it’s not technically or financially possible, with today’s technology.

First, the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. Second, electricity is used the moment it is produced – there are no large storage facilities. But PNM did kick off an innovative battery storage project south of Albuquerque last year to help overcome that hurdle. See the associated article in this email.

No energy provider in the world offers 100 percent renewable energy. The Renewable Portfolio Standard says California has a long-term goal of 33 percent renewable energy by 2020. See the state-by-state goals. We estimate that if we replace coal-fired electricity generation with renewable energy, it would take 18,000 acres of solar panels and cost $4 billion. Plus, that only gets you enough energy an average of 40 percent of the time. We intend to continue taking advantage of the renewable energy resources that New Mexico is blessed with. In April, we proposed adding 20 additional megawatts of solar energy in 2013, 10 megawatts of geothermal energy, and other renewable energy.

NM Educators Retirement in Deep Water

KOAT - The state retirement fund for teachers, staff and administrators is in jeopardy, one trustee of the Education Retirement Board said. The trustee said a recent report showed that the fund could run out of assets by 2022.

Target 7's Lauren Zakalik talked to about the need to fix the situation. Zakalik said the estimates in the report are based on how the fund has been performing during the past 10 years. The trustee told Zakalik that if nothing changes, taxpayers could be responsible for billions of dollars that would be owed to retired educators.

To keep that from happening, education employees may face some changes. Albuquerque Teachers Union President Ellen Bernstein agrees that things look dire, so she, along with dozens of educators and some ERB members, have come up with a plan. Among the changes would be raising the retirement age of new employees to 55; raising the cost of living adjustment age to 67 for all new employees and increasing employment contributions to the retirement plan as the state contribution goes up, too. Read full story here: News New Mexico

117 Page Report Will Form Basis of Negative Ads Versus Janice Arnold-Jones

New Mexico Congressional District #1 GOP candidate Janice Arnold-Jones is the target of secret National Democratic Party efforts to trash opposition candidates. The committe has put together a 117 page report for Democrats, PAC’s, and Super PAC’s to use against her.
The plan was uncovered by Media Trackers, an investigative watchdog group. Media Trackers discovered nearly three-dozen Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) opposition research notebooks including secretive manuals outlining anything that could be used against political opponents like Arnold-Jones.
Some of the files have actually been published on the DCCC’s website to facilitate their use by candiates, progressive PAC’s, and progressive Super PAC’s.

Janice Arnold-Jones

Last Thursday Media Trackers published a dozen of the opposition research books that Democrats had managed to keep secret for months. These twelve unpublished manuals range in size from a few dozen pages to more than one hundred pages, depending on the personal, business, and civic record of the Republican target.

Washington-based Roll Call a political newspaper actually covered some of the meetings at which Democratic political staffers discussed ways to gather information for the intelligence files they were building on Republicans. Apparently Roll Call was granted access on the condition that they not publish the names of key targeted Republicans.

However, in a major information breach at the DCCC, the booklets became available via Google searches that combined targeted candidate’s names with opposition research search terms. The information found in the documents contains biographical details, copies of land plots, voter registration records, tax information, business records, and press clippings. Most likely Michelle Lujan Grisham's campaign, along with progressive out-of-state PAC’s and Super PAC’s, and the DCCC itself will use the information contained in the booklet to fashion negative ads targeting Arnold-Jones.

Gary King Will Run for Governor in 2014

Gary King

Capitol Report New Mexico - There have been rumors for months that New Mexico Attorney General Gary King would challenge Susana Martinez for governor. On Tuesday (July 10), King confirmed to radio station KNAW in Albuquerque that he’ll toss his hat into the ring. King is the son of the late Bruce King, who served three non-consecutive four-year terms as governor between 1971 and 1994, and used to serve in the state legislature. He’s finishing up his second term as attorney general. King is the first Democrat to announce he’ll run for governor. There have been some rumblings that State Auditor Hector Balderas might run for governor or for attorney general in 2014. We’ll update the post as we get comments from King. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Voter Fraud Strikes Home

New Mexico Watchdog - The canvasser for Martin Heinrich for Senate stood at my door. He asked if “Jennifer Wangler” was home. “No one by that name lives here,” I told him. “She’s registered as a Democrat to vote from this address,” the Heinrich canvasser insisted. “Never heard of her,” I replied. He showed me his clipboard, with a printout of the Democratic voters on our street. There she was, a complete stranger, registered to vote from our home address.

My wife and I have lived in the same house for 22 years. No one has resided with us except for some wonderful cats, none of which we have ever registered to vote. The previous owner lived in Pennsylvania and rented this property to a couple of English emigres whom we know. They are not named “Wangler.”
I called the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office to report this situation. I was told that I would have to go to court to get it cleared up.
That couldn’t be right. That’s a crazy way to deal with voter fraud. How many individual citizens will take it upon themselves to draft and file a lawsuit and see it through, or pay a lawyer do it for them, just to remove from the voter rolls a person wrongfully registered at their home? Not too many, including me, a former attorney at that. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Senators Smith and Feldman, Different Views on What Will Happen With Expanding Medicaid

John Arthur Smith

Senator John Arthur Smith says finding a way to pay for Medicaid expansion is a real problem. Senator Dede Feldman says expanding government through Medicaid will create jobs.

“I think it’s going to be a big argument,” Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, told the Santa Fe New Mexican last Thursday. He questioned whether New Mexico can afford the Medicaid expansion. “I think there’s going to be an internal struggle within the Legislature on what level to spend [on Medicaid],” Smith said. “Contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot of policy I would like to support but I haven’t found a way to pay for it.”

Dede Feldman

Senator Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, always a proponent of expanding the size and scope of government said the Medicaid program will more than pay for itself as federal dollars wash through the state’s economy. “Medicaid is an economic driver in rural areas,” Feldman said. “It will creates jobs in clinics and in doctor’s offices and hospitals, where there are no other jobs.” “I am really hopeful the administration will get on board with the Medicaid expansion,” she said.

NM Estimated Primary Vote Turnout is 28%

KRQE - Election Day looms, candidates across New Mexico are focusing their attention on turning out supporters to vote on Tuesday. Only Democrats and Republicans can vote in the primary election. Winners of races will be the party nominees in the November general election.
About 28 percent of registered Democrats and Republicans have cast ballots in presidential election year primaries in New Mexico since 1996. Albuquerque pollster Brian Sanderoff says he expects turnout to be average or slightly lower because there aren't many hotly contested top-of-the-ballot races to grab the attention of voters. Read full story here: News New Mexico

KOB Reporters Uncover Campaign Workers Offering Whiskey for Votes in Rio Arriba County

KOB TV - Alcohol and voting do not mix, but that didn’t stop campaign workers in Rio Arriba from offering people miniature bottles of whiskey while giving them rides to an early voting center.
On the first day of early voting, 4 On Your Side watched some campaign workers and voters taking what looked like small bottles of alcohol from a cooler in the back of a truck used to shuttle voters to the polls.
To get closer, 4OYS reporter Gadi Schwartz and producer Peter St. Cyr disguised themselves as homeless people and spent two days walking up and down the streets, standing on corners, and even hanging out at an empty lot known to attract drug addicts and transients.
Eventually, a black Tahoe slowly approached St. Cyr. County employee Elias Fresquez, who is on leave from his job, offered him a ride to go early vote. St. Cyr climbed in the Tahoe, turned on a hidden camera, and got into the truck. Inside, St. Cyr was told he should vote for County Commissioner Alfredo Montoya who is running for State Senate against incumbent Sen. Richard Martinez. Read rest of story and see video here: News New Mexico

EPA Leaves PNM Options Open for Discussion

Albuquerque Journal - The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed approving virtually all of the state’s plan for addressing regional haze, with a glaring exception: the state’s proposal for retrofitting the San Juan Generating Station to cut pollutants. But the federal agency appears to have left room for more discussion of alternatives to what it determined in a ruling last year to be the most cost-effective and expensive technology at the plant for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, selective catalytic reduction.

The state proposed a less-costly alternative. In a proposed rule issued last week, EPA would approve most elements proposed by the state for improving visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. However, it said it would propose a future, separate action on San Juan “unless the state … earlier withdraws it in favor of an alternative that it may develop through discussions with the source and EPA.” Read full story here (subscription required) News New Mexico

City-County Turf Wars Over Fire Jurisdiction?

KOAT - When someone in Albuquerque calls 911, they usually expect to get help right away. But, firefighters said residents are getting shortchanged because of politics, and it could cost someone their life. Some firefighters said they believe county fire crews should have responded when a drunken driving suspect crashed into a home and exploded into a ball of fire. However, county crews couldn't, because the home was within city limits.
"There was a county fire station, Station 36, which was about a mile away," said Robert Sanchez, the vice president of the Albuquerque Area Firefighters Union Local 244. Jurisdictional boundaries prevent the closest fire crews from responding, and Sanchez said an agreement between the city and county hasn't been made for years.
"We've been asking for several years now, 'Why hasn't it been signed?'" he said. City Fire Deputy Chief Tige Watson said that finally, this summer, the jurisdictional boundaries will be dropped, and both the city and county are preparing for the change. "They're training on it right now," Watson said. "Like I said, this is something that's never been done. I don't think they care which primary firefighters show up, which color the engine they're in -- red, purple green. I don't think it matters at that point," Sanchez said. Read full story here: News New Mexico

18 Lawsuits Remain Pending From Richardson Pay-to-Play Era of Corruption

Bill Richardson

Albuquerque Journal - So far, the SIC has recovered a total of $394,000 in settlements with two investment firms. The SIC, which manages the state’s two largest trust funds, also has a pending lawsuit against 18 defendants, alleging it and taxpayers were the victims of a pay-to-play scheme in the making of agency investments. The SIC, in response to subpoenas, has turned over millions of documents to the U.S. Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, neither the Justice Department nor a state prosecutor, including state Attorney General Gary King, has charged anyone with a crime. Saul Meyer, a former adviser to the State Investment Council and the Educational Retirement Board, has admitted he recommended investments pushed by politically connected people, knowing that they or their associates would benefit financially or politically. Read full story here (subscription required): News New Mexico

Attracting Films to New Mexico

NM Business Journal - Communities can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the film industry, which can be “big, inconvenient and omnipresent” for short periods of time, said Don Gray, locations coordinator for the New Mexico Film Office. However, making a community film-friendly can have long-lasting economic impacts, he added. The most important thing for community to do is identify locations film companies need. “I’m your used car salesman,” Gray quipped. “The more cars I have, the more likely I am to close the sale.” The Film Office has 60,000 photos on its database at www.nmfilm.com, but it always needs more, he said. Read full story here: News New Mexico

West Albuquerque Community Mourns Tapia

Johnny Tapia

KOB - The community continues to mourn boxing champion Johnny Tapia, who was found dead Sunday night at his home in West Albuquerque. Mourners turned Tapia's gym, Team Tapia, on San Mateo near Menaul, into a shrine for Tapia and what he called "Mi Vida Loca," "My Crazy Life."
It was a crazy life made crazier with five world boxing titles and epic bouts with narcotics, booze and jails. Through it all, Tapia remained the tough little guy from Wells Park, with fists like concrete and a heart as soft as Jello instant pudding. Tapia's gym was quiet on Monday. Welterweight Hector Munoz, Johnny's protégé, has lost a trainer and a friend with a fight coming up. "He's always in my corner," Munoz said. "Two years I've been training with him, he's always going to be in my corner. I know for this fight, I'm gonna make him proud and go win this fight." Read full story here: News New Mexico

Out of Control

KOB - The Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire continues to grow in southwestern New Mexico. The fire is now estimated at burning nearly 133,000 acres, about 30,000 acres smaller than last year's record-setting Las Conchas fire near Los Alamos. It is still zero percent contained.
Some of the firefighters spoke with KOB Eyewitness News 4 and said dedication to helping others is the reason why they are battling the blaze, but are constantly reminded what they are giving up.
Jeff Dimkey is commander of a hot shot team, specially trained and equipped, nationally funded crew of about 20 men who traveled from Washington to battle the fires.
As it continues raging, a lowered American flag is the only indication that it is Memorial Day. Dimkey said the picture serves as a constant reminder of what he is missing. "I'd be playing with my two twins that are a year old and my nine-year-old son," Dimkey said. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Angel Fire Resort Open First NM Zipline Tour

From marketwatch.com -Angel Fire Resort today announced plans to open a multi-station zipline tour at the summit of the Angel Fire Resort ski mountain in July 2012. The Angel Fire Zipline Adventure Tour will be the first of its kind in New Mexico. On the signature segment of the tour, adrenaline seekers will fly fifty-stories above the forest floor as they traverse from peak to peak, side by side, on a 1,600' foot tandem zipline. "We're always looking out for new attractions and innovative ways to add more fun and excitement into a family's Rocky Mountain vacation. This will be the first zipline tour in the state and we are confident it will be a great experience for both kids and adults to enjoy," said Dave Dekema, director of marketing, Angel Fire Resort. "A zipline melds perfectly with our mountain's topography, the scenic views, and the existing infrastructure of our ski mountain. Not to mention it's an absolutely unforgettable, thrill-a-minute experience." More here

Summerfest to Celebrate NM's 100 Years

From The Sacramento Bee -To celebrate New Mexico's 100 years of statehood, Albuquerque will host the state's largest birthday party. The Centennial Summerfest on June 16, 2012 will provide diverse and exciting entertainment. Historically themed pavilions, free concerts, delicious food, a car show and more are sure to provide a true Albuquerque and New Mexico experience. "This is the largest event in New Mexico to commemorate our state's one hundred years of statehood. Centennial Summerfest is a chance for visitors to—in one day—experience the rich cultural history of New Mexico," said Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry. More here

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/21/4505472/centennial-summerfest-to-celebrate.html#storylink=cpy

Nobody Can Define the Afghanistan Mission, But Another New Mexico Soldier is Dead

El Paso Times - A Fort Bliss soldier was killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday. Staff Sgt. Israel P. Nuanes, of Las Cruces, was killed on Sunday in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, according to a statement. Nuanes, 38, died from wounds sustained during an enemy attack with an improvised explosive device.
"I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers for the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Nuanes," said Rep. Steve Pearce, (R-N.M.). "My heart goes out to his family and to the families of our fallen heroes across the nation. We will never forget the sacrifice he made to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. His admirable service to our nation and his dedication to preserving liberty will long be remembered in New Mexico and across the U.S."
Nuanes was in the 741st Ordnance Company, 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 71st Ordnance Group, at Fort Bliss. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Astorga Legal Team Fights Death Penalty

KOB - Blood dominated the testimony Thursday in the death penalty trial of convicted cop-killer Michael Astorga. Astorga's defense is that he's the wrong guy, not the shooter. It didn't work in his murder trial two years ago but it might work now to keep him out of the death chamber. Astorga testified Wednesday. On Thursday it was his turn to listen to crime scene experts for the defense. They're trying to undermine the case against him for the March 2006 shooting of Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy James McGrane.
A major question - why weren't there any blood-spatters on Astorga's truck if he's the one who pulled the trigger?
"I'm close enough to the wall here, that if I get a through-and-through shot, or if his honor shoots me, we're going to get spattering occurring on this wall," crime scene analyst Lawrence Renner said as he explained bloodstain analysis for the mostly female Santa Fe County jury. "That's one of the things the bloodstain patterns can do in the reconstruction process." It's hard on McGrane's family and friends to hear and see the graphic evidence, but they endured it all the way through Astorga's murder trail two years ago that ended in conviction. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Enironmentalists Take Advantage of Fire Season

KRQE - Environmentalists are planning a series of demonstrations around New Mexico on Saturday to bring awareness to the threat of wildfire and other implications of a changing climate. The group 350.org is coordinating events in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and Socorro. In all, more than 1,000 demonstrations are planned around the world. Environmentalists and a group of firefighters met earlier this week in the Jemez Mountains to look at the burn scar left by last summer's Las Conchas fire. The largest in state history, the blaze charred more than 156,000 acres, destroyed homes and forced evacuations. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Lower Rio Grande Farmers Approaching Groundwater Limits for 2012

From kunm.org -In a statement released today, the Office of the State Engineer says it will begin sending letters to irrigators in southern New Mexico who are already in danger of using more than their share of groundwater for the year. During last year's drought, farmers facing reduced allocations of river water pumped up twice as much groundwater as in either of the two previous years. Then in August, the Third Judicial District Court set limits on groundwater use as part of the adjudication process in the lower Rio Grande. According to the release: State Engineer Scott Verhines notes, “2012 is a difficult year for New Mexican farmers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Rio Grande Project surface water supplies are low, and the 2008 Project Operating Agreement compounds the hardship by allocating less surface water to our EBID [Elephant Butte Irrigation District] farmers. We recognize that limiting over-diversion of groundwater may feel unfair during such dry times. However, over-diversions in one area can impact neighbors in another. Our team is working to protect the sustainability of our water resources, protect our farmers for the long term, and follow the decisions determined by the court. We encourage any and all questions and will work with irrigators to help them survive this dry year.”

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