Ellen Loehman, Author at Rio Grande Chapter

The Permian Basin Climate Justice Coalition condemns the Biden Administration’s June Lease Sale

This lease sale symbolizes the Biden administration’s broken promise to tackle the climate crisis and address the environmental injustices that disproportionately impact Immigrant, Black, and Indigenous communities. It’s long past time for our federal government to phase out oil and gas fracking and to prioritize our climate, environment, and public health above a profiteering industry that got us into the climate crisis in the first place. It’s imperative that the federal government end leasing on public lands if the Biden administration has any hope of meeting its climate goals.

Albuquerque extends free bus fares

The Albuquerque City Council voted 7-2 to keep city public transit free through June 2023. Zero Fares has a profound positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people in Albuquerque.

Sierra Club raises nearly $25,000 for Las Vegas Community Fund, Wildfire Victims

In response to the fires that have ravaged New Mexico, the Sierra Club nationally raised over $25,000 from member donations to benefit the Las Vegas Community Fund.

144,377 New Mexicans, including 38,749 children, Threatened by Oil and Gas Industry Air Pollution

A new geospatial analysis released by Earthworks today shows 144,377 New Mexicans including 38,749 children, reside near or attend schools or daycares within a ½ mile threat radius of active oil and gas operations. In the San Juan Basin nearly 80% of the population lives within this radius. In the NM Permian Basin the map shows a nearly 40% increase in Lea County alone of people living within the threat radius since 2017.

Become a Citizen Scientist

Free water quality sampling training – Taos; Saturday, May 14, 10am-noon at Fred Baca Park. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, Amigos Bravos and other organizations.

Zero Fares

The Zero Fares Albuquerque program opens doors for more people to use public transit and rely less on their vehicles to commute throughout the city. From a racial and social justice perspective, it provides more fair and equitable access to low income families and individuals to be able to get to their jobs, school, and any other daily activity they may have. It is a win-win situation for all!

Climate change and Albuquerque’s drinking water

By the 1990s, it was apparent that Albuquerque and Bernalillo County did not sit over a water supply the size of Lake Michigan as previously thought. The Albuquerque Basin Aquifer was being depleted faster than it was able to recharge. River diversions were necessary to protect and maintain the longevity of the aquifer.

Court provides big stream-access victory

New Mexico conservation groups won a victory for public access to streams and rivers with a March ruling by the state Supreme Court.

PNM stalls customer savings

PNM is planning to keep charging customers for San Juan Generating Station long after the polluting coal plant has stopped providing power to our homes.

NM proposes adoption of EV rules

In May, New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board considers Advanced Clean Cars standards that would require automakers to offer and sell increasing numbers of zero-emission vehicles, like electric vehicles, in New Mexico. If the board approves the proposal from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Environment Department, New Mexicans will see many more clean cars in dealerships and on the road, and residents will breathe dramatically healthier air.