An online poll asked members if they would like to remain a separate Pajarito Group or rejoin the Northern Group. The separation occurred in 1998 to focus on Los Alamos National Laboratory issues and the Valles Caldera. The votes were 68% to rejoin Northern Group; 32% to stay independent Pajarito.
New Mexico Can Act to Prevent Ill-Advised Profit Scheme
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is scheduled in early 2023 to grant Holtec International a license to ‘temporarily’ store high-level nuclear waste near Carlsbad. Federal law requires a permanent disposal site to be identified before any interim site is established, but no such site has been identified. We need state legislation to prevent this from happening.
NM State House Endorsements
Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club – endorsements for 2022 general election for NM State House races.
Continued leasing undercuts Greater Chaco progress
President Biden and Interior Secretary Haaland have taken steps to protect lands near Chaco Culture National Historical Park by initiating a 20-year pause on new oil and gas leasing and drilling within 10 miles of the park and Honoring Chaco Initiative. However, these protections should go further to include protecting the region’s air and water quality, the health and safety of surrounding communities, sacred sites throughout the landscape, and much more.
Northern megafires lead to lessons
After battling two disastrous Northern New Mexico “escaped prescribed burns” this year, the U.S. Forest Service has recently completed a National Prescribed Fire Program Review. Read the recommendations to prevent future events such as the Hermit’s Peak fire.
NM Plastic Pollution Reduction Act 2023
A team of dedicated citizens is seeking your support to introduce a bill in the 2023 legislative session that would regulate single-use plastics.
EPA taking meaningful action on El Paso-area air quality
The American Lung Association ranks El Paso-Las Cruces at No. 12 on a list of the most ozone-polluted metropolitan areas in the United States. The EPA lists El Paso County on its ‘non attainment’ list for ozone pollution. So why is the state of Texas requesting an exemption?
800 MW of coal no longer burning
Partially delayed and accompanied by drama and uncertainty, the last operating stack at San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, N,M., burned its last ton of coal in the early morning of Sept. 29. Read local residents’ reactions.
Endorsements for 2022 General Election – Federal
Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club – endorsements for 2022 general election at the federal level.
Fall 2022 Outings
Rio Grande Sierra Club hikes for October through December 2022.