AGP Executive Report

Monsoon Flooding & Road Safety: A flood watch is up across New Mexico as monsoon storms bring flash-flood risk, with NMDOT warning drivers to avoid low water crossings and turn around if water covers roads. Weatherization for Households: New Mexico Gas Company and Meals on Wheels New Mexico are weatherizing 40 homes in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to cut winter energy costs. Housing Funding Falls Short: A legislative report says New Mexico’s $524M-plus housing spending hasn’t solved the statewide crunch, with projects often missing clear success markers and not always reaching the areas and incomes that need them most. Santa Fe Affordable Housing Fight: Homewise sued Santa Fe, alleging the city rewrote Affordable Housing Trust Fund rules to block a recommended $750,000 award. Navajo Water Projects: President Buu Nygren signed $24.56M in agreements for Navajo waterline construction and system upgrades across multiple communities. Local Business & Food: Green chile supplies are running short after heat and grasshopper damage, and a new Albuquerque Sunport mural was unveiled as part of terminal renovations. Public Safety: Clovis police arrested two people after a firearms search warrant turned up cocaine and 17 guns. Ag & Ranching: The state named 2026 Farm and Ranch Families of the Year, honoring the Achen family and the Lantana family. Energy & Industry: TXNM Energy declared a quarterly dividend, and New Mexico was highlighted as a featured quantum ecosystem at Quantum World Congress 2026.

Legal & Privacy: New Mexico’s meat and poultry food safety inspection just got a boost as the state joins USDA’s State MPI program, expanding oversight and market access for small processors. Energy & Water: Federal Colorado River rules are moving toward major Lower Basin cuts, while New Mexico and neighbors watch the fallout for power and supply; flooding risk also remains in parts of New Mexico and West Texas. Industry Growth: Pond Lehocky announced major national headcount growth and opened a New Mexico office focused on workers’ compensation. Tech & Data Centers: Oracle’s Project Jupiter fight continues after the NM Supreme Court rejected intervention requests, keeping pressure on permitting and air-quality concerns. Mining & Metals: Tungsten supply remains China-dominated, with the U.S. still mining none since 2015—highlighting supply-chain risk for manufacturers. Tribal & Community: Groups continue seeking federal recognition as Indian Tribes, with updates on congressional and OFA pathways. Health Services: Porch Light Health and CBHC expanded methadone treatment access in Northern Colorado, a model for addiction-care capacity growth. Business & Housing: A new analysis finds young adults are actively pursuing homes in states where costs are lower, shaping where demand may rise next.

Trade & Agriculture: The USDA says the Santa Teresa cattle port in New Mexico will reopen this Thursday for imports from Mexico, despite a New World screwworm case in Grant County; cattle will be inspected and treated with dewormers at origin, inspected by both countries’ officials, and covered with insecticide before entering the U.S. Weather & Water: Monsoon season winds down with a new moisture surge—Tuesday brings widespread showers and thunderstorms, with flash-flood risk across much of the state, followed by cooler, steadier rain. Energy & Mining: Laramide Resources disputes claims its La Jara Mesa uranium project is “on pause,” saying it only sought a delay in federal FAST-41 permitting while state work continues. Legal & Environment: A federal court preliminarily blocks New Mexico’s PFAS product-labeling mandate, though other PFAS reporting and sales limits remain. Local Business: Blake’s Lotaburger opens a new Albuquerque mall location inside Coronado Center, adding to the UNM-area and other NM footprint. Public Safety: APD warns of a fake rental scam where listings use real photos and demand deposits before viewings. Policy & Economy: New Mexico’s oil and gas boom is helping fund programs even as record gas prices squeeze drivers.

New Mexico Agriculture & Trade: USDA says it will resume livestock imports from Mexico next week through a major New Mexico port after a second New World screwworm detection in Grant County, with expanded surveillance and a minimum 12.4-mile inspection zone around the affected horse. Energy & Solar QA/QC: Enertis Applus+ and GroundWork Renewables are teaming up to provide integrated factory audits, in-line monitoring, testing oversight, and Albuquerque lab verification for solar module quality and traceability. Retail & Local Economy: Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its West Side Albuquerque location, its fourth New Mexico shop and second in the metro, with franchisees signaling more openings statewide. Infrastructure: NMDOT starts a $2M U.S. 550 rehabilitation between Cuba and San Ysidro Monday, using roadway injections to address sinking, cracking, and water buildup through mid-November. Banking: Bank7 agreed to buy Century Financial Services in a ~$137.3M deal, expanding its Southwest footprint and adding Century’s New Mexico deposit base. Data Centers & Privacy: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration push to obtain commercial drivers’ personal information, while New Mexico’s data-center debate continues amid calls for state protections. Livestock Markets: USDA’s Cattle on Feed report shows Sept. 1 on-feed totals up 1% year over year, but August placements and marketings fell sharply. Public Safety: Santa Fe agreed to a $1.25M settlement in a use-of-force case tied to a stun-gun incident involving a man whose dog attack led to a goat euthanasia.

AI Infrastructure & Finance: Oracle’s $18B Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County is reportedly mothballed, with its loan trading around 89–91 cents on the dollar after a credit downgrade—raising questions about whether the massive New Mexico data-center buildout will move forward. Energy/Construction Policy: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s PFAS labeling rule, siding with manufacturers—another reminder that state environmental rules can face fast court challenges. Agriculture Biosecurity: New Mexico expanded surveillance after a second New World screwworm case in Grant County, setting up an infested zone and inspections as cattle trade resumes; a town hall is scheduled for Sept. 21. Mining & Water: Copper Flat Mine’s updated plan drew attention in Hillsboro, shifting from wet tailings to dry-stack storage to cut water use by 84%. Local Safety & Infrastructure: Albuquerque installed a new HAWK signal at Kathryn and San Mateo SE near schools, as NM reports a 28% jump in August traffic fatalities. Retail/Local Business: Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood plans a new West Side location, aiming to expand its Albuquerque footprint.

Data Centers & Water: New Mexico’s Project Jupiter fight is heating up as officials and residents push back on how water permitting is handled, with critics saying notice-and-hearing steps were skipped while construction water was pumped. Electric Utility Politics: State Investment Council leaders rejected calls for New Mexico to buy or invest in PNM to block a private-equity takeover, citing fiduciary duties and legality. PFAS Regulation: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s PFAS labeling rule, siding with manufacturers. Livestock & Border Trade: Coverage highlights the reopening of New Mexico’s livestock port and what it could mean for cattle movement. Screwworm Alert: The New World screwworm is back in the region, prompting renewed surveillance after a second New Mexico case. Local Infrastructure: Flooding prompted inspection of the Shiprock bridge as families were temporarily evacuated. Workforce & Construction: An opinion argues New Mexico can’t afford workforce policy that favors one labor model, warning of skilled-trades shortages. Film Industry: “Ransom Canyon” won’t be renewed, another hit to New Mexico’s production pipeline.

AI Data Centers & Local Industry: Oracle’s $300B compute deal with OpenAI is tied to a Stargate buildout targeting up to 10GW (with New Mexico’s Project Jupiter pegged at $18B), with Vertiv and Caterpillar positioned as key “plumbing” suppliers. Energy Costs & Regulation: A House-passed push would require states to consider making data centers cover the full added electricity and grid upgrade costs—an issue now central to affordability debates. Water Tech for Flood Risk: Santa Fe AI firm EnviTrace was selected for the DOE’s Genesis Mission to help forecast water levels and flooding. Public Health & Livestock: New World screwworm is back in Texas and New Mexico, prompting renewed monitoring and risk mapping for animals and people. Nuclear/Research Infrastructure: Los Alamos’ LANSCE accelerator modernization cleared a major design milestone to keep capabilities running through 2050. Local Business & Tourism: Bayard is moving ahead with plans for a mining museum in the former Local 890 union hall. Weather Watch: Strong thunderstorms hit parts of New Mexico Saturday evening, with wind, hail, lightning, and localized flooding risk.

Data & Privacy: Wisconsin DOJ won a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of sensitive driver records from AAMVA, after claims of unlawful collection of Social Security numbers and other personal data. AI Infrastructure & Energy Costs: In the Senate, NM Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act, arguing it lacks “real teeth” to stop data-center electricity costs from landing on families; NM gubernatorial candidates are also trading barbs over a potential data-center moratorium and guardrails. Local Business & Growth: Clovis commissioners rejected a 120-day data center moratorium, while Albuquerque’s Revel broke ground on a new outdoor amphitheater. Water & Agriculture: Satellite images show Lake Powell draining to record lows; in NM, recent rain restored Rio Grande flows in Albuquerque but drought remains, and the chile industry warns of a 20%–50% shortage. Public Safety: Flooding on the Navajo Nation prompted temporary evacuations near Shiprock as the San Juan River rose.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: New Mexico’s Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked the Senate’s Ratepayer Protection Act, arguing it lacks “real teeth” to stop AI data centers from driving higher electricity bills; Local Water & Air: Oracle’s $18B Project Jupiter debt is reportedly under pressure as local opposition grows over water and air-quality fears, while the NM Supreme Court lifted stays so the air-permit process can move forward; State Politics: In the governor’s race, Deb Haaland says she’d issue a day-one moratorium on new large data centers, while Gregg Hull calls for federal/state guardrails instead of a pause; Agriculture: Hatch-area chile growers warn of a 20% to 50% shortage after hot weather and insects, with shelves already tight; Water Update: Recent rain restored Rio Grande flows through Albuquerque to Elephant Butte, but drought concerns remain; Public Health & Safety: NM confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Grant County, triggering expanded surveillance and movement restrictions; Rural Economy: A Pena Blanca family cut its cow herd from 50 to 14 due to drought and access limits, then launched a community market to support local growers.

Project Jupiter Legal Update: The New Mexico Supreme Court rejected two environmental groups’ challenges and lifted stays, letting the Project Jupiter air-quality permitting process resume in Doña Ana County, even as construction continues. Data Center Costs Fight: In Washington, the Ratepayer Protection Act stalled in the U.S. Senate after Sen. Martin Heinrich objected, arguing the bill doesn’t go far enough to ensure data centers cover grid-infrastructure costs. Water & Power Pressure: Lake Powell hit a record-low elevation, underscoring how Colorado River shrinkage can ripple downstream for water and hydropower. Housing & Transit Development: Uptown Connect in Albuquerque secured $30M+ in funding via private activity bonds and loans for a 176-unit mixed-rate rental project tied to transit access. Agriculture Watch: New World screwworm was confirmed in a horse in Grant County, as USDA prepares to reopen a New Mexico livestock port for trade next week. Weather Risk: Heavy rain and flash-flood concerns persisted across New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, where three people died after being swept away.

Data Centers & Elections: New Mexico’s governor’s race is heating up over data centers. Democratic nominee Deb Haaland says she’ll sign a day-one statewide moratorium on new large-scale projects until stronger water and energy protections are in place, while Republican Gregg Hull backs “guardrails” with more local control. Project Jupiter Court Fight: The New Mexico Supreme Court lifted stays and let key Project Jupiter permitting steps resume, dealing a setback to environmental groups challenging air and emergency water approvals. Livestock Trade & Screwworm: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a horse in Grant County, and officials are still preparing to reopen the Santa Teresa livestock crossing next week as part of phased reopening efforts. Agriculture Supply: New Mexico green chile production is forecast to be down 20% to 50% due to weather, disease, and pests. Weather & Infrastructure Risk: Heavy rain and flash flooding remain the main threat across central and western New Mexico, with storms capable of 1–2 inches per hour. Consumer & Legal: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a multistate $694M settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending, including cash/debt relief and stronger consumer protections.

Livestock & Border Trade: USDA says it’s preparing to reopen a New Mexico port of entry to Mexican livestock trade next week after New World screwworm closures, with Santa Teresa named as the likely reopening site and an initial cap of 750 head per day—traders are already reacting in cattle and hog futures. Energy & Permitting Politics: New Mexico’s Ethics Commission says Oracle’s $3.4M “Project Jupiter” ads were aimed at influencing NMED’s air-quality permitting for a natural-gas fuel cell system, including canvassing and a sign-on form letter tied to the pending application. AI Data Centers & Community Impact: A new report argues data centers’ water use can be dramatically lower with closed-loop cooling, citing claims from Microsoft and Oracle about near-zero evaporation in newer builds. Navajo Nation & Uranium: Navajo EPA opposes the Church Rock/Crownpoint uranium project’s in-situ recovery plan as New Mexico fights a license renewal, with an NRC hearing set for Oct. 5. Local Governance & Costs: A town council in Basin, N.M. area is facing another electric rate increase after earlier transmission-rate changes tied to regional grid shifts. Weather & Safety: Flash flooding on the Navajo Nation left three dead near Newcomb, underscoring ongoing storm risk.

Fuel Watch: Doña Ana County hit its week-ending Sept. 5 low for E85 at $3.47/gal (E85 averaged $3.81), while diesel averaged $5.68/gal and the county’s lowest diesel spot was $5.09/gal. Flood & Weather: Monsoon storms kept heavy rain and flash-flood risk in western/central New Mexico through Thursday morning, with a flood watch in parts of the region. Agriculture: New Mexico green chile faces a potential 20%–50% shortfall as heat, disease, and pests cut yields, pushing wholesale prices higher. Local Water & Infrastructure: Farmington marked completion of the $9.8M Totah Subdivision water and sewer project, funded by ARPA and the Gold King settlement. Energy/Tech Policy: New Mexico’s Ethics Commission says Oracle spent $3.4M on ads tied to Project Jupiter permitting. Public Safety: Three people died in Navajo Nation flooding near Newcomb, with evacuation guidance issued in nearby areas. Defense Industry: Castelion announced a U.S. Navy production delivery order up to $200M for Blackbeard hypersonic weapons. Business/Real Estate: Florida-based CTO Realty Growth bought Kansas City’s Zona Rosa for $63.3M, planning phased revitalization. Aviation/Travel: TSA expanded military lanes to more than 30 airports for expedited screening.

Defense & Mining: US tungsten supply remains dominated by China (about 79% in 2025), and a new DFARS rule starting Jan. 1, 2027 will tighten “country of origin” treatment from mine/ore stage—while New Mexico-linked projects still hinge on land access and permitting. Hypersonics Manufacturing: The US Navy ordered up to $200M of Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic weapons for production, with manufacturing and delivery work at Castelion’s Project Ranger campus in Rio Rancho and its Torrance facility. Aerospace Industrial Base: Hermeus won a Pratt & Whitney F100 licensing deal to manufacture F100-PW-229 engines for its Quarterhorse unmanned aircraft, with a key flight test over White Sands Missile Range. Energy & Land: PEDEVCO acquired 5,678 net acres in Wyoming’s Mowry play via a BLM lease sale, expanding its position. Uranium Cleanup: Homestake’s Grants-area groundwater remediation continues under an alternate concentration limit approach as residents press for long-term protection of drinking-water aquifers. Data Centers & Tech: Google is exploring a potential data center in Lea County, and separate New Mexico-focused discussions keep centering on local concerns and infrastructure readiness. Public Works & Safety: NMDOT warns drivers to avoid flooded roads during monsoon flash-flood conditions. Local Business & Growth: Albuquerque International Sunport rose to No. 9 in JD Power’s medium-airport satisfaction category. Healthcare & Seniors: Walmart and SCAN plan a co-branded Medicare Advantage rollout in two states, pairing retail convenience with health services.

Public Safety & Tech Oversight: Page, Arizona’s police chief defended automated license plate readers, citing local case use versus millions of outside agency queries—fueling a civil liberties debate. Energy Infrastructure: Xcel’s SPS is advancing a $3.6B Texas-to–New Mexico transmission project, targeting May 2031 service and route/easement work. Data Centers & Local Governance: Google says it’s “exploring” a Lea County data center, while Sierra County residents push for more study and transparency during a moratorium. Higher Ed Public Safety: UNM opened a $17M police headquarters to speed campus response. Weather & Risk: Monsoon storms bring heavy rain and flash-flood threats across New Mexico. Economy & Utilities: PNM’s parent and Blackstone seek revised merger terms with bigger proposed customer rate credits and grid investment. Uranium & Land Use: Mount Taylor’s traditional cultural property status remains a key uncertainty as uranium mining permitting moves forward. Community & Workforce: Taco Bell Foundation awarded $442K to nine New Mexico nonprofits; UNM also launched a new police station.

New Mexico Agriculture: After a dry monsoon season, New Mexico farmers are watching the sky for rain and El Niño-driven winter snowpack to stabilize chile and other crops. Energy & Fuels: Diesel hit record highs nationally and in Kansas, while U.S. crude production is reported near record levels—fuel costs remain a pressure point for regional businesses. Uranium & Land Policy: New Mexico banned new uranium mining leases on state-managed land, shifting attention toward legacy cleanup; separately, Anfield Energy advanced Colorado permitting for its JD-8 uranium/vanadium mine. Defense Manufacturing: Castelion moved Blackbeard hypersonic weapons into production with a U.S. Navy order up to $200M, with work tied to Rio Rancho, N.M. Local Economy & Real Estate: Western homeowners insurance troubles are derailing deals and threatening home sales, adding stress to housing markets. Tech/AI Infrastructure: Oracle’s massive OpenAI “Stargate” compute push keeps spotlight on AI power demand and data centers. Health Care: Nice Healthcare launched a New Mexico-included employer health plan aimed at reducing avoided insurance claims. Film & Media: Albuquerque’s Pluribus won multiple Emmys, highlighting the state’s TV/film workforce impact. Weather & Flood Risk: Rain brought relief across New Mexico but also triggered flooding concerns in places like Gallup. Corporate Governance: A law firm says it’s investigating Erasca over disclosures tied to its cancer drug candidate. Retail/Brand Moves: Krispy Krunchy Chicken named a new VP of western operations, signaling continued growth in convenience retail.