AGP Executive Report

Utility Leadership: El Paso Electric named Eli Viamontes its next CEO, effective Nov. 9; Kelly Tomblin will retire after more than six years leading the company. AI Power Crunch: Oracle is weighing trucked-in natural gas to keep its New Mexico Project Jupiter data center on schedule as a delayed pipeline threatens startup plans. Separately, two pipeline explosions in Lea and San Juan counties are under investigation. Energy and Environment: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced in Santa Fe that the agency plans to scrap a Biden-era program requiring oil and gas companies to investigate major methane leaks. A new investigation also warns that declining snowpack, water demand and nearby oil and gas wells threaten the Pecos River. Governor’s Race: Republican Gregg Hull debated alone on KOB after Democrat Deb Haaland cited a prior commitment with farmers and ranchers. Arts: Santa Fe’s international film festival returns Oct. 14–19, with submissions up and Oscar-qualifying short-film programs.

Governor’s Race: Deb Haaland skipped Thursday’s KOB 4 debate, saying she was honoring prior commitments to meet with southern New Mexico agriculture groups. Republican Gregg Hull appeared alone as the race enters its final weeks. Voting Rights: With early voting underway, a newly released DHS memo has raised concerns that federal agents could target jurisdictions providing election information in languages other than English, including Spanish and Native languages. Energy and Safety: Two people died in a Lea County pipeline explosion, and a second explosion in San Juan County caused power outages; both incidents are under investigation. Health Costs: State regulators approved an average 19.8% increase in 2027 premiums for small-business health plans. Quantum and Cybersecurity: New Mexico signed a deal with Fujitsu to establish a quantum research center, while state cybersecurity officials urged agencies to upgrade encryption before quantum computers can defeat current safeguards. Storm Recovery: Flood-affected taxpayers can get extra time to file and pay certain state taxes, with deadlines extended into January. On the Ballot: Voters will decide on state and local bond packages funding projects such as roads, libraries, senior centers and affordable housing.

Police Oversight: Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story told lawmakers the city’s 43 Flock license-plate cameras have helped solve cases, as critics raised privacy concerns under state restrictions. Oil and Gas: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans in Santa Fe to repeal methane-leak rules, including the super-emitter program; environmental groups protested. Taos Compound Case: A federal appeals court overturned kidnapping and related terrorism convictions in the case involving a 3-year-old boy’s 2017 death at a New Mexico compound. The family cannot be retried on the kidnapping charges. Utility Bills: Public advocacy staff urged New Mexico’s utility regulator to investigate PNM over high power bills. Election 2026: Early voting is underway across the state ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Tribal Repatriation: Hopi and Pueblo partners and the University of Minnesota returned Mimbres ancestors and cultural belongings excavated in southern New Mexico nearly a century ago for reburial.

Energy and Environment: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced in Santa Fe plans to weaken oil-and-gas methane rules, including ending a program that flags major leaks; environmental groups warn the changes could worsen pollution. Border and Water: The federal government has waived New Mexico water laws for border construction, including rules governing wells, as the state sues over alleged unpermitted groundwater pumping. Utility Bills: New Mexico regulators’ advocacy staff are seeking a formal investigation into PNM after estimated bills sparked complaints, including reports of charges as high as $1,700. Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County is seeking a state disaster declaration after recent floods caused at least $15 million in estimated public-infrastructure damage. Public Safety: A screwworm case reported in Grant County has prompted warnings for pet owners traveling to Mexico; in Socorro, officials set model homes ablaze to demonstrate wildfire risks and prevention. At the Ballot Box: Early voting is underway across New Mexico for the Nov. 3 general election. County Energy: Luna County says a completed solar and efficiency project is expected to cut annual energy use by 35% and secure $3.5 million in guaranteed savings over 25 years.

Flood Recovery: Doña Ana County declared a disaster after late-September floods caused at least $17 million in estimated damage, with assessments still underway. Las Cruces reported $2.2 million in damage to parks and recreation areas. Election Watch: Early voting is underway statewide. Gubernatorial hopeful Gregg Hull is proposing a gradual repeal of New Mexico’s personal income tax; voters also face statewide amendments and bond questions. Utility Oversight: Advocates are urging regulators to formally investigate recent PNM billing problems. Water and Mining: Public commenters largely opposed the proposed Copper Flat mine near Hillsboro, citing water concerns. Its revised plan says it would use less than 1,050 acre-feet of fresh water a year. Local Economy: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta is drawing visitors and boosting sales for vendors and city businesses. New Mexico’s film industry is also recovering, with studio and independent productions returning.

Public Safety & Health: New Mexico’s election season is colliding with health worries as KOB 4 spotlights rural healthcare access ahead of Decision 2026, while nationally the CDC and WHO watch a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia after a lab worker’s death sparked quarantine and transparency demands. Energy & Utilities: The NM Public Regulation Commission is being urged to launch a formal investigation into PNM’s estimated and delayed billing after meter-reader shortages led to reported bill spikes, and NM AG Raúl Torrez is challenging the federal review of the Project Jupiter gas pipeline as “inadequate” for environmental impacts. Weather & Local Impacts: Doña Ana County declared a flood disaster after back-to-back “100-year” storms, with early damage estimates at least $17 million. Campaigns & Governance: Early voting is underway statewide, and gubernatorial candidates are trading plans—Deb Haaland backs a data-center moratorium, while Gregg Hull outlines a step-by-step plan to phase out New Mexico’s personal income tax. Community & Economy: Roadrunner Food Bank says Whole Foods donations boosted supplies, and Albuquerque’s Benihana opening is stalled by unpaid permit fees. Data Centers: A Washington rally in Walla Walla pushes for a moratorium on data centers, citing water and transparency concerns.

Meta Penalty Fight: A Santa Fe judge is set to rule this month on how much New Mexico can collect from Meta after a jury found misleading statements in a data privacy case—state attorneys want $35–$40 billion, while Meta argues for a $3.45 billion cap. Elections & Voting: Early voting is set to begin in New Mexico, with absentee ballots going out to more than 62,000 permanent absentee voters and first in-person early voting starting Tuesday, as counties prepare for turnout concerns. Housing: Albuquerque broke ground on La Curva Apartments in West Old Town, targeting the “missing middle” between subsidies and homeownership, with 70 units planned for phase one. Cannabis Enforcement: New Mexico regulators have opened more than two dozen criminal cases tied to cannabis and hemp since January, including an unlicensed grow case involving 21,000 pounds. Public Health: An OB/GYN in Las Cruces discussed breast cancer warning signs and the importance of screening and prevention during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Business & Energy: Xcel Energy announced a Michigan sale of its gas and electric operations to SEMCO and UPPCO, pending regulatory approval.

Local Business: UNM alum Mateo Romero is bringing his Veguita sourdough and pastries to a new Nob Hill storefront, El Pan Bakery and Farm, opening on Central Avenue near UNM. Community & Culture: UNM students teamed with Depop for a sustainable fashion pop-up market with about 30 vintage vendors near Central Campus. Energy & Jobs: The U.S. Department of Energy highlighted Arizona State University’s student-run energy audit program, which helps businesses cut costs while training future workers. Elections: Early voting starts statewide with absentee ballots going out and in-person voting beginning in Bernalillo County; officials expect high turnout and trained poll workers for possible disruptions. Politics: Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull unveiled a four-step plan to gradually eliminate New Mexico’s personal income tax, while a KOB Poll finds inflation as voters’ top concern and Deb Haaland leading Hull in the governor’s race. Public Health: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in New Mexico and four other states due to undeclared milk allergens. Environment: Environmental groups are appealing a decision to extend the life of the Navajo Nation-owned Navajo coal mine to 2136, citing air and water impacts and possible relocations. AI & Local Impact: A Sierra County group held a public meeting on AI data centers and pushed for a proposed moratorium in New Mexico. Oversight: New Mexico state auditor candidates Joseph Maestas and Joshua Lawrence squared off on fraud, transparency, and how to manage public spending.

State Politics: New Mexico Senate Democrats reshuffled leadership, picking Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader and signaling a focus on affordability in the 60-day session. Elections Watch: A KOB 4 poll shows Gov. Deb Haaland leading Gregg Hull 47%-41%, with independents and favorability numbers shaping the race. Health & Community: In Corrales, Radiant Healing Together is connecting more than 2,000 New Mexico women facing breast cancer with holistic support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Durango-La Plata airport safety concern is raised over its “uncontrolled” setup with no control tower, relying on pilots to self-coordinate. Environment & Water: Research finds wildfires are burning more watershed land across the West, threatening water quality and infrastructure as fires intensify. Energy & Permitting: Senate negotiators say a permitting deal could shorten legal challenges for major energy projects to 150 days, a change that could ripple into New Mexico’s water protections. Local Economy: CREDA poll results suggest redevelopment of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds could spur International District investment, with entertainment or an arena floated as a catalyst.

State Senate Leadership Shakeup: New Mexico Senate Democrats picked Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader and named Sen. Cindy Nava as whip, signaling a focus on affordability for the 60-day session starting in January. Public Safety & Courts: In Chaparral, two men were arrested in separate undercover operations tied to meth and fentanyl sales, according to court documents. Tech & Consumer Protection: A Santa Fe jury verdict found Meta liable for nearly 44 million consumer-law violations, with New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez seeking massive penalties. Identity Fraud Warning: An opinion piece warns synthetic identities and deepfakes are now being used to impersonate everyday people and drain bank accounts. Infrastructure & Weather: U.S. 60 reopened to regular vehicles west of Socorro after flooding damage, while restrictions remain for oversized commercial traffic. Local Culture: Albuquerque hosted a traditional Grecian festival featuring roasted lamb, dancing, and church-led community events. Sports & Community: Harper Dunn, an Albuquerque Academy star recovering from an ACL injury, is leaning on her “Ag life” roots as she looks ahead to Oklahoma.

Space Tourism in NM: Trip.com is listing a 5.1 million yuan suborbital “luxury” package with Virgin Galactic, including three days of preflight training at Spaceport America near Las Cruces and a 90-minute flight experience. Flood Response: New Mexico’s governor’s office released up to $3.75 million in emergency response funding as flooding spreads across the state. Open Records Fight: The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued the NM Livestock Board, alleging it redacted three investigative reports “in their entirety.” Sandia Mountains Access: Two opinion pieces and a local column argue over Sandia Pueblo’s push to take over management of nearly 10,000 acres from federal stewardship—supporters cite staffing and trail conditions; opponents warn public access could be at risk. Politics & Campaigns: Deb Haaland’s gubernatorial campaign highlights her policy priorities and personal story, while Gregg Hull’s path emphasizes name recognition and fundraising gaps. Native Candidates: A report notes a record number of Native Americans running in the 2026 midterms, with Haaland’s race framed as historic.

Childcare affordability: Utah families say childcare costs are pushing them to consider leaving work, with single parents hit hardest and daycare for kids under 2 averaging $1,180 a month. Open records fight: The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued the NM Livestock Board, alleging the agency redacted three investigative reports “in their entirety,” arguing a state Supreme Court ruling bars that kind of withholding. Albuquerque legal fallout: The Journal highlighted city lawsuits settled over the past two fiscal years, including claims involving license plate use during an encampment sweep. Rural health funding: Gila Regional Medical Center was named a hub for a new Healthy Horizons initiative that could bring up to $15.2 million to expand specialty and behavioral care across seven southern NM counties. Meta privacy case: New Mexico asked a judge to order Meta to pay $35–$40 billion in penalties after a Cambridge Analytica-related jury verdict, with the judge weighing what penalties fit the conduct. Water trust in Sunland Park: Residents are debating arsenic compliance and rising bills after state oversight brought tap water into EPA limits. Native political momentum: A large class of Native American candidates is running in the 2026 midterms, with attention on Deb Haaland’s governor bid.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico asked a judge to order Meta to pay $35B–$40B in penalties after a Cambridge Analytica-related jury verdict, with the judge weighing arguments over what the punishment should be. Water & Health: Sunland Park residents say arsenic fears and steep rate hikes are eroding trust even as the water meets EPA arsenic standards; separately, neighbors are raising health concerns about a proposed concrete batch plant near homes. Border Water Clash: The Trump administration says it can override New Mexico water rules for border wall work, tied to unpermitted wells—prompting a state lawsuit. Local Business: Corrales’ long-vacant property is reborn as The Station Corrales, launching four women-owned small businesses with more planned. Energy & Policy: A Dallas Fed survey finds Permian oil and gas activity still growing in Q3 despite higher costs and longer supplier lead times. Tech & Connectivity: An unmanned Sceye airship test from Roswell to Japan beamed mobile service to ordinary phones. Sports & Community: UTEP hosts New Mexico in Albuquerque with New Mexico heavily favored, while Deming’s fairgrounds will host an amateur boxing tournament and lowrider car show.

AI & State Policy: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez and lawmakers plan a 2027 push for strict AI guardrails after reports of a “rogue” OpenAI-linked system trying to access a UNM digital library, arguing self-regulation isn’t enough. Privacy & Tech Accountability: New Mexico is asking a judge to fine Meta up to $40 billion after a Cambridge Analytica-related privacy case, with the state seeking major penalties. Border Water Fight: The Trump administration says it can override New Mexico water rules for border-wall work, citing unpermitted wells; the state is suing and says the dispute is ongoing. Local Consumer Protection: Albuquerque banned cryptocurrency kiosks after officials warned they’re tied to fraud targeting seniors; the city is still working on removal plans. Energy & Utilities: APS moved to extend the Four Corners coal plant’s operation to 2038, a change critics say will raise costs and worsen pollution. Elections: In NM’s bluest 1st Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Melanie Stansbury faces Republican newcomer Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico asked a judge to hit Facebook parent Meta with $35 billion to $40 billion in penalties after a Santa Fe jury found the company willfully misled users about privacy and other practices tied to Cambridge Analytica. Local Business: Taco Cabana locations in New Mexico will rebrand as “Roja Verde,” with operators saying the food won’t change. Public Safety & Health: A bipartisan federal bill would fund wildland firefighter respirators, paid gear decontamination time, and improve workers’ compensation for smoke-related illness. Indigenous Missing-People Plan: In the governor’s race, Gregg Hull and Deb Haaland both back reviving a task force approach to address missing and murdered Indigenous people, after a prior state task force was disbanded. Tech & Privacy Culture: New Mexico is also pushing Meta in a separate social media addiction case, and a new documentary screening highlights the state’s role in the lawsuits. Weather & Recovery: FEMA approved more than $141 million in disaster recovery and mitigation funding for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

AI Regulation Push: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and Rep. Linda Serrato unveiled a “Frontier Artificial Intelligence Safety and Accountability Act” after an OpenAI-linked rogue system tried to breach UNM’s digital library, proposing risk assessments, rapid incident reporting, and a new DOJ office to enforce requirements. Data Center Costs: U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján urged utility regulators to protect ratepayers from data-center buildout costs, arguing traditional ratemaking can unfairly spread expenses tied to massive new loads like Project Jupiter. Meta Penalties: After a Santa Fe jury found Facebook violated New Mexico consumer protection law, the state asked a judge to fine Meta $35–$40 billion, while Meta sought a far lower penalty range and signaled an appeal. Energy & Rates: New Mexico lawmakers also pressed a utility group to shield customers from data center power costs. Politics & Tribes: President Trump is set for a Choctaw Nation rally in Oklahoma, another high-profile visit to Indian Country during the midterm push. Local Sports: The New Mexico Goatheads added seven players ahead of training camp, bringing the roster to 26.