Recent news and analysis on New Mexico

Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on New Mexico. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.

• New Mexico officials slam proposed Chaco buffer zone cuts

  New Mexico advocates and elected officials are criticizing a federal proposal to reduce or eliminate the 10-mile buffer zone protecting Chaco Culture National Historical Park from oil and gas development. U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Pueblo of Acoma Gov. Charles Riley vowed to fight the Trump administration's proposal, with Stansbury accusing the administration of violating federal laws. The National Trust for Historic Preservation added the Greater Chaco Cultural Landscape to its 2026 list of most endangered historic places.

• New Mexico acequia advocate pushes for dedicated disaster funding

  Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association, is renewing efforts to secure dedicated disaster funding for acequias after legislative hearings. Wildfires, floods, and drought have caused tens of millions in damage annually, but current funding is hard for volunteer organizations to access.

• Scammers target New Mexico radiation victims with fake RECA claims assistance

  New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez warned that scammers are targeting eligible victims of the 1945 Trinity atomic bomb test, offering fraudulent help to file claims under the expanded RECA Act. Rep. Gabe Vasquez urged vigilance after scammers allegedly operated a booth at the Eastern Navajo Fair in July 2025.

• New Mexico sets hearing for data center air permit

  The New Mexico Environment Department scheduled a public hearing for October 19, 2026, in Sunland Park to consider Project Jupiter's air quality permit. The permit would allow greenhouse gas emissions exceeding those of Albuquerque and Las Cruces combined annually. A decision is due by November 23.

• New Mexico denies pipeline permit for Oracle data center

  New Mexico regulators denied a natural gas pipeline permit for a second time, blocking a pipeline that would supply power to a planned Oracle Corp. data center. The State Land Office said the pipeline was not in the state's best interests.

• Audit finds New Mexico counties hoarding opioid settlement funds

  A state audit revealed that 15 of 33 counties and 7 of 12 municipalities reported no opioid settlement spending as of June 30, 2025. Only $15 million of $110 million received was spent. State Auditor Joseph Maestas called it a 'wake-up call' and urged more state oversight.