AGP Executive Report

Utility Regulation: New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission ordered PNM and its private equity-linked parent to undo a controversial $400M stock sale because the companies completed it without required prior approval, though the broader merger case remains pending. Broadband & Permitting: The state rolled out a Community Wi‑Fi program to expand public wireless access and launched a Permit Finder Tool to help providers map the permits needed for construction statewide. Workforce & Research: UNM partnered with the state’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and United Way to place high school students in paid lab work, training them to monitor mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Public Health & Safety: Albuquerque issued a smoke health alert tied to the Sacaton Fire in the Gila National Forest, urging residents with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity. Agriculture Biosecurity: New World screwworm response continues as Texas reports more confirmed cases and expands quarantine rules, with New Mexico also monitoring for impacts. Local Tech Policy: Santa Fe County approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center development to study water, e-waste, noise, and power costs. Veterinary Shortage: New Mexico extended its Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program application deadline to Aug. 1, offering up to $80,000 for rural, frontier, and tribal service.

Wildfire & public safety: New Mexico is urging residents to skip backyard fireworks as extreme fire danger prompts statewide and local restrictions, with officials pointing to how quickly sparks can turn into major blazes. Water & agriculture: Chaves County producers are doubling down on water conservation, from more efficient irrigation and better scheduling to soil health practices that help retain moisture during hotter months. Drought pressure on local budgets: Colfax County officials warn worsening drought could hit ranching, tourism, and county revenues as forage shrinks and fire risk rises. Cannabis enforcement: New Mexico’s new cannabis enforcement bureau is starting to crack down on the black market, with industry groups watching for results as the team scales up. Energy & jobs: Economic Development New Mexico approved $12M through the Job Training Incentive Program to hire and train 440+ workers, with many projects tied to innovation and technology. Oil & gas cleanup rules: The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission voted to raise bonding requirements for operators to better cover plugging and cleanup costs. Screwworm watch: USDA reporting shows New World screwworm cases remain concentrated in Texas and New Mexico, keeping livestock and pet movement rules in focus. Housing policy: HUD is encouraging New Mexico lawmakers and local housing authorities to adopt work requirements for tenants in subsidized housing, with potential impacts on eligibility and eviction timelines. Local infrastructure: Roswell released its annual water system Consumer Confidence Report, citing multiple 2025 violations and ongoing corrective work. Road travel: New Mexico is preparing for a busy Fourth of July travel rush, with TSA projecting 248,000+ airport passengers and officials urging early arrival.

Data Centers & Water/Power Planning: Santa Fe County approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development permits, aiming to set guardrails on water, energy, noise and related impacts before new proposals land. Screwworm Watch (Livestock): USDA says New World screwworm cases have reached 29 nationwide, with nearly all in Texas and one domestic dog case tied to New Mexico; Sen. Chuck Grassley praised USDA’s response and urged continued containment. Workforce Funding: New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program approved $12 million to support hiring and training for more than 440 workers across 70 companies in FY26. Advanced Tech Push: Sandia researchers showcased AI tech to stabilize the electric grid as data centers and distributed energy grow, while state economic development leaders highlighted quantum and fusion investment momentum. Public Records Pressure: A New Mexico public records task force heard concerns that IPRA requests—especially for body-camera footage—are overwhelming some local agencies. Economic Development & Film: Economic Development Secretary Rob Black told lawmakers the state is still backing “shovel-ready” projects and pointed to LEDA results, even as film production slows. Energy Grid Coordination: Western governors advanced a multi-state transmission permitting task force to speed up grid upgrades across state lines. Community & Housing: Esencia de Santa Fe held a grand opening for a new 277-acre master-planned community. Wildfire Risk: New Mexico joined broader Western calls for fireworks restraint as drought and fire danger remain high.

Vehicle Fees & Road Funding: New Mexico is raising passenger vehicle registration fees 25% and the weight-distance tax 35% starting July 1, with an estimated $70 million headed to the State Road Fund for maintenance. Broadband Permitting: The state launched a free “Permit Finder Tool” so broadband builders can quickly identify local, state, and federal permits needed for projects statewide. Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered $500,000 in emergency funding for wildfire response and directed additional money for firefighting as more than 16 large fires burn, including the McCauley Springs Fire. Livestock Health Watch: New World screwworm remains a major concern for New Mexico ranchers and pet owners as USDA reports rising U.S. cases; officials stress vigilance and movement rules. Energy & Industry: Western governors backed a multi-state task force to update transmission lines, aiming to cut bottlenecks and meet growing demand. Defense Supply Chain: Defense startups are moving into auto and fracking supply chains to speed weapons output. Local Construction: Albuquerque has begun demolition of the Bliss Building after owners failed to follow through, with asbestos remediation underway.

Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (plus D.C.) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work rules, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people. USDA Screwworm Response Pressure: New Democrat Coalition lawmakers, including NM Rep. Gabe Vasquez, pressed USDA for more details and resources as the New World screwworm threat grows. Public Housing Work Rules: HUD told NM lawmakers it’s encouraging local housing authorities to adopt tenant work requirements (up to 40 hours/week) and potential eviction after two years in subsidized housing. Project Jupiter Data Center Pushback: NM residents say canvassers used their names without permission tied to air-quality permit comments for the $165B Project Jupiter campus; the public comment period runs through July 6. Energy & Oil Growth: EON Resources outlined a 2026-2030 plan to add drilling, completions, and acquisitions in New Mexico’s Permian to reach 10,000 BOPD by 2030. Statewide Traffic Enforcement: New Mexico State Police announced July sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols across all counties, targeting impaired driving and license/registration compliance. Defense Industry: Lockheed Martin won a $3B FY26 Army contract to expand GMLRS rocket production for HIMARS and M270 launchers.

Wildfire & fireworks risk: With hot, dry conditions fueling record-setting fire danger across the West, officials are urging people to pause before lighting fireworks for the 250th holiday; Utah has even moved to restrict consumer fireworks as crews battle dozens of blazes. Road impacts: NMDOT warned drivers away from a washed-out stretch of US 64 near Teec Nos Pos, and separate I-25 work is bringing short lane closures and on-ramp shutdowns near St. Francis Drive and Montgomery Blvd in Albuquerque. Animal health & livestock movement: USDA confirmed 26 New World screwworm cases in Texas, while New Mexico and federal officials stress quarantines, inspections, and sterile-fly efforts to keep the pest from spreading further. Energy relief proposal: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham floated $250 rebate checks funded by projected oil windfall revenue to help New Mexicans at the pump. Water planning: Chaves County commissioners approved a resolution to prioritize water for agriculture and consider options to protect farmland as shortages intensify. Tech & security: The FCC’s new Emergency Alert System cybersecurity rules are pushing broadcasters to change default passwords and harden connected equipment.

Historic Preservation: Las Cruces honored Historic Preservation Committee chair Jerry Wallace with the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division’s Heritage Preservation Individual Achievement Award, highlighting local leadership in protecting state cultural resources. Medicaid Policy Fight: 25 Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing a new “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled residents. Animal Health & Agriculture: U.S. and Mexico opened a sterile screwworm fly facility in southern Mexico as New World screwworm cases climbed to 27 in the U.S., with Texas quarantines expanding and CBP requiring screwworm certification for dogs returning from Mexico. Energy & Utilities: PNM rolled out customer tools to track electricity use by appliance and timing to help lower bills, while Permian data shows natural gas production rising faster than oil—creating a growing bottleneck. Transportation & Construction: New Mexico begins higher passenger vehicle registration fees July 1, and drivers face overnight I-25 closures near Montgomery Blvd for bridge demolition. Water & Industry: Select Water and ISE Chemicals will pursue produced-water iodine recovery in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, targeting commissioning in 2027. Midstream Dealmaking: Matador’s San Mateo Midstream agreed to buy Cardinal Midstream assets for $752M, expanding Delaware Basin processing and gathering capacity. Defense & Cleanup: New Mexico and the U.S. Air Force report progress on PFAS cleanup planning tied to contamination near Cannon Air Force Base.

Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. awarded Lockheed Martin a $35.3B THAAD interceptor production contract, with a key flight test tied to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Energy & Finance: Mexco Energy reported fiscal 2026 results showing net income down 24% as oil prices and volumes fell, while Delaware Basin drilling activity continued in Eddy and Lea counties. Oilfield Outlook: The Dallas Fed’s energy survey for the 11th District (including southern New Mexico) points to a four-year high in activity, but rising costs and regulatory pressure are squeezing margins. Roads & Public Safety: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1, and Albuquerque added four new speed cameras. Water & Agriculture Risk: Alabama moved to tighten animal movement rules after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico. Local Economy: “The Boroughs” cancellation is a hit to New Mexico’s film industry after the show generated major local spending and vendor work. Tech & Power Demand: Colorado communities are slowing data center growth over electricity and water concerns—an issue New Mexico industry watchers will be tracking. Health & Food Supply: Albuquerque Medicaid spending on vision services jumped sharply in 2024, reflecting shifting local health-care billing patterns.

Electric Vehicles: New Mexico’s EV mandate is stuck in legal limbo, with dealers saying they don’t have to comply while the state says they do—amid falling sales and uncertainty over how the rules will play out. Cannabis Enforcement: Albuquerque-based cannabis cops are ramping up statewide action against the black market, targeting illegal operators as the regulated industry presses for stronger enforcement. Screwworm Watch: Alabama is tightening animal entry requirements after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, adding movement controls and monitoring to protect livestock and pets. Wildfire & Weather: Hot, dry, windy conditions are driving elevated fire danger across New Mexico, with red flag warnings and gusty storms possible in the southeast. Water & Infrastructure: NMDOT is set to start a 10-day US 64/84 rehabilitation in Tierra Amarilla on July 8, while local leaders keep pushing water and sewer upgrades to unlock development. Borderland Land Use: A Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage is set to continue as the Diocese of Las Cruces fights a DHS eminent domain claim tied to border wall plans.

Wildfire Safety: Three firefighters died and two were injured battling the Knowles and Gore fires on the Colorado-Utah border as extreme heat, dry air, and steep terrain keep flames spreading across the West. Cannabis Enforcement: New Mexico’s new cannabis enforcement unit is ramping up statewide investigations to target the black market, with industry leaders watching for results as the bureau grows. Water & Power: Colorado River talks collapsed without a post-deadline management plan, raising stakes for Upper Basin states including New Mexico as Lake Powell’s outlook worsens. Infrastructure & Construction: NMDOT says a US 64/84 roadway rehab in Tierra Amarilla starts July 8 (10 days, lane closures, pilot car). Local Utilities: EIC approved up to $500K for design work on a Quinlan Creek sewer line to unlock north-side development. Agriculture & Animal Health: New World screwworm detections keep expanding, with Texas quarantines tightening and one domestic animal case reported in Lea County, New Mexico. Food Access: Albuquerque’s “Food Is Medicine Produce Fair” delivered free fresh produce to residents facing food insecurity, with nutrition demos and enrollment info. Healthcare Leadership: ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Lakeshore named Brittani Coffey CEO as the 36-bed facility continues expanding specialized rehab services. Public Policy & Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding transportation funds over immigration-related conditions.

New World screwworm outbreak: USDA says confirmed cases have climbed to 26, with 25 in Texas and one domestic animal case in Lea County, New Mexico, prompting tighter animal movement rules and expanded quarantine zones. Higher-stakes livestock markets: Cattle futures firmed as traders weighed reduced beef supply concerns tied to the Texas detections. Local university construction: Western New Mexico University’s Board of Regents approved its 2028-32 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, including planning funds for a new baseball facility, while also moving forward on public bids for furnishings from the president’s residence. Retail expansion in Albuquerque: A Japanese brunch spot, Shoku House, is slated to open on the West Side at McMahon Marketplace by August. Public safety weather watch: New Mexico faces dry, windy conditions with critical fire danger and gusty winds across much of the state. Borderland community event: Catholic dioceses in Las Cruces and El Paso are calling for a Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage amid concerns over federal plans tied to a border wall.

Energy & Utilities: Bernhard Capital Partners asked New Mexico regulators to remove some redactions from a hearing examiners’ report tied to a proposed $1.25B sale of New Mexico Gas Co., arguing public disclosure serves the public interest. Transportation & Safety: A produce semitruck fire closed I-25 south of Truth or Consequences and rerouted traffic downtown, with officials also flagging roadway delineators that may narrow emergency access. Agriculture & Animal Health: New World screwworm is spreading in the Southwest, with Texas cases expanding and a New Mexico dog case reported, prompting urgent rancher and pet-owner checks and treatment. Public Works & Schools: Albuquerque Public Schools began $40M in air conditioning upgrades at 20 schools after a $350M bond vote, with multiple projects already finished or underway. Historic Preservation: New Mexico’s Cultural Properties Restoration Fund is accepting applications for up to $500,000 per project cycle to preserve culturally significant sites. Local Infrastructure Planning: Roswell revised its ICIP short list after earlier picks were deemed too costly, shifting priorities toward smaller repairs and flood-related work. Energy Prices: AAA reports New Mexico’s gas average at $3.92, down week over week as Independence Day travel ramps up.

Permian drilling update: EON Resources says it’s on track to start the first three horizontal San Andres wells in July in Southeast New Mexico, with regulatory steps cleared for a broader 92-well program in Eddy County. USDA & livestock health: A New Democrat Coalition, including NM Rep. Gabe Vasquez, pressed USDA for more details and resources as New World screwworm cases rise to 25 nationwide, with Texas the active hotspot and one NM case now inactive. Border land fight: The Las Cruces and El Paso dioceses are planning a pilgrimage at Mount Cristo Rey as DHS seeks to condemn about 14.3 acres for a border wall segment via eminent domain. SNAP scrutiny: A New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee review flagged “anomalies” in SNAP-linked smoke shop revenues, while USDA reports improper SNAP payments topped $10B in 2025 and payment error rates remain a national concern. Local business & jobs: Deb Haaland outlined a small-business agenda to reduce regulatory barriers and create a statewide Office of Small Business during an Albuquerque Chamber address. Education logistics: Albuquerque Public Schools opened a feedback survey on student meals and transportation, with results feeding a July 27 listening session. Water pressure: Lake Powell hit its lowest summer level on record, underscoring growing Colorado River supply and hydropower risks.

Semiconductors & advanced manufacturing: BHP-backed I-Pulse won a $250 million CHIPS award to develop silicon-carbide power devices, with an Albuquerque-area team near Sandia and AFRL leading work tied to pulsed-power uses in geothermal drilling, mining, manufacturing, and defense. Water & agriculture: New Mexico water users are grappling with shrinking snowpack and long drought; NMSU researchers also secured a $759,000 grant to breed disease-resistant, mechanically harvestable green chile targeting Phytophthora capsici. Weather & risk management: El Niño is forecast to intensify heat and wildfire risk, while thunderstorms are bringing gusty winds and hail across New Mexico; separate coverage highlights how extreme conditions can strain regional firefighting. Animal health & livestock operations: New World screwworm restrictions are expanding after detections in Texas and one case in New Mexico, triggering tighter animal travel rules that could catch pet owners and producers off guard. Local infrastructure: NMDOT plans nightly I-25 closures (8 p.m.–6 a.m.) June 28–July 2 for Montgomery Boulevard bridge demolition, with detours expected to add commute time. Food assistance policy: USDA data shows New Mexico’s SNAP payment error rate at 16.81%, placing it among the least accurate states and raising stakes as states face financial consequences for high error rates. Community & culture: The New Mexico Film Office hit a $56 million rural spending record, and ABQ BioPark’s Children’s Fantasy Garden is getting a $5.5 million redesign.

Fentanyl Enforcement Fallout: A new AP report says DEA agents in New Mexico let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach the streets from 2023-2025 instead of seizing them, raising public-safety and policy concerns. Semiconductor Push: Bloomberg reports I-Pulse Inc. will receive $250M via the CHIPS program to develop semiconductor components for a geothermal pulsed-power drilling technique, with labs in New Mexico. Colorado River Power Risk: Lake Powell is projected to fall to “minimum power pool,” threatening hydropower output and increasing the odds of “dead pool” conditions if the river keeps drying. Energy Transition Signal: Ember analysis finds solar beat coal for the first time in a full U.S. month, with the Mountain West—including New Mexico—among the growth leaders. SNAP Accountability: USDA says SNAP improper payments hit $10.1B in FY2025; New Mexico’s error rate is 16.81%, putting it among states facing tougher penalties. Livestock Health Threat: New World screwworm continues spreading; North Carolina and Indiana tightened animal movement rules tied to Texas and New Mexico detections. Local Water/Infrastructure: Truth or Consequences approved wastewater funding to avoid a resident rate increase, using New Mexico Finance Authority support. Wildfire Update: Gila National Forest says the Bear Fire is now fully contained, with other blazes under control. Film & Jobs: Albuquerque Film Office was named a finalist for a Location Managers Guild award for supporting Apple TV’s “Pluribus.”

Livestock Health Watch: USDA says New World screwworm has reached 20 confirmed U.S. cases, with Texas driving most detections and one additional case in New Mexico; officials stress the risk to people and animals remains very low while they ramp up surveillance and a coordinated “One Health” response, including about $105M in funding for detection and control. Local Agriculture & Animal Movement: Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig warned the fly can spread via wounds and animal movement, pushing states to tighten monitoring and movement restrictions. Energy & Industry Incentives: A Fraser Institute study argues Alberta’s industrial carbon tax and carbon capture rules will raise energy costs and hurt investment competitiveness versus the U.S.—a reminder for New Mexico’s own incentive strategy as fusion and clean power projects court capital. Data Centers Under Pressure: Doña Ana County says Project Jupiter developers for Oracle/OpenAI missed reporting requirements tied to an industrial revenue bond deal, raising compliance concerns as construction ramps. Public Health & Fraud Enforcement: DOJ and New Mexico AG filed a federal civil forfeiture complaint seeking more than $2M tied to alleged Medicaid transportation fraud by Safeway Medical Transportation LLC. Wildfire & Storms: McCauley Springs Fire activity continues with evacuations in place, while northeast/east-central New Mexico faces a severe storm threat with hail, lightning, damaging winds, and locally heavy rain.