AGP Executive Report

Water & Infrastructure: Harper Brothers Construction won a unanimous Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority vote for a $66M contract to install the Raw Water 1A pipeline for the Ute Water Project. Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to support grid reliability in 17 states, including New Mexico, as extreme heat strains demand. Livestock & Trade: USDA announced a $25M sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas, Arizona, tied to reopening southern border cattle ports; New Mexico’s Santa Teresa crossing could follow within 60 days if Douglas goes smoothly. Housing & Development: Albuquerque homebuilders and developers say the housing crunch is “really crucial,” while Sun Capital Hotels paused a Sawmill-area Hilton-branded project after community concerns delayed $40M in industrial revenue bonds. Energy/Environment: Diné leaders and New Mexico residents protested BLM’s push to weaken Chaco Canyon oil-and-gas restrictions; public comment ends amid calls to keep the 20-year ban. Local Business/Tech: ARRAY Technologies launched ARRAY Atlas, a foundation-to-tracker suite aimed at improving solar installation interoperability. Public Health & Safety: Meta disclosed a $2.4B legal hit tied to youth safety lawsuits, warning more trials could follow. Workforce: A new sheet metal apprenticeship training facility opened in the region, targeting skilled labor demand tied to construction and data centers.

Aviation & Education: Alamogordo’s Launch Pad Lecture series spotlights WWII Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), including how women pilots helped tame the B-29 “widow maker” at the Alamogordo Army Airfield. Solar & Utilities: ARRAY Technologies (Albuquerque) launched ARRAY Atlas™, a foundation-to-tracker interface suite aimed at cutting cost and installation friction for utility-scale solar. AI Infrastructure & Local Politics: Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter data center drew packed public comment and arrests after developers missed reporting deadlines on local hiring and workforce details. Power & Ratepayer Watch: New Mexico residents weighed in on the stalled Blackstone-PNM acquisition at a Public Regulation Commission hearing, with supporters citing jobs and opponents warning about long-term rate pressure. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Chick-fil-A warned customers after attackers accessed some Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, urging password and payment-method review. Agriculture & Livestock Health: USDA confirmed the phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24, with Santa Teresa preparations underway, as screwworm controls continue. Community Solar: Las Cruces opened two community solar options for El Paso Electric customers, offering bill credits without rooftop panels. Weather: Flash flood warnings hit Socorro and Valencia County as thunderstorms dumped heavy rain.

Utility & Private Equity: New Mexico residents packed UNM to weigh in on Blackstone’s proposed $11.5B acquisition of TXNM Energy/PNM, with opponents warning of rate hikes and profit-driven control while supporters cite jobs and training; the PRC hearing followed earlier claims the deal violated state law. Data Centers & Local Control: Sierra County approved an 18-month data center moratorium after residents and commissioners pushed back on water and environmental impacts, while Doña Ana County saw arrests and a scuffle tied to Project Jupiter’s AI data center presentation. Power Supply & Grid Planning: Xcel Energy outlined nearly 4,000 MW of new generation for Texas and New Mexico by 2030 and discussed large-load tariffs aimed at shifting costs to new data-center demand. Livestock Trade & Biosecurity: USDA announced a phased reopening of southern cattle ports starting Aug. 24 (Douglas, AZ) tied to New World screwworm controls, with Santa Teresa and Columbus in New Mexico next. Weather & Risk: Flash flood watch and heat advisories remain in effect for parts of New Mexico as storms near the Pecos could bring localized heavy rain. Workforce & Tech Education: Louisiana Tech joined a national microelectronics and semiconductor workforce network that includes New Mexico, aiming to expand regional training pipelines. Community & Repair: Albuquerque’s Fix-It Clinic is set for Aug. 8 to help residents repair items and keep them out of landfills.

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool pull in extra power resources across a 17-state region, including New Mexico, as extreme heat pushes demand and raises blackout risk. Quantum & Defense Tech: Albuquerque’s ABQ-Net, an open-access quantum network, says four companies will build defense and other quantum innovations using the state-backed platform. Cattle & Agriculture: USDA confirmed a phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with New Mexico ports to follow as Mexico meets New World screwworm safeguards; every animal will get full inspection. Public Health: A CDC update on the multi-state Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs says the strain may be resistant to some commonly used antibiotics, shaping treatment decisions for the sickest patients. Outdoor Business Growth: New Mexico’s outdoor recreation division opened applications for the free ActivatOR accelerator, a seven-week hybrid program aimed at helping local outdoor companies grow revenue and operations. Energy Costs: AAA reports the national gas average is climbing again, with many states now averaging $4+ per gallon.

Cattle & Border Trade: USDA says it will phase back Mexican live cattle imports starting Aug. 24, with the first shipments through Douglas, Arizona; Santa Teresa and Columbus in New Mexico are expected later, as officials say inspections and New World screwworm safeguards can keep livestock safe. Livestock Health: New World screwworm has now been confirmed in multiple animal cases across Texas and at least one New Mexico county, and wildlife watchers are being urged to report suspicious signs rather than try to treat free-ranging deer themselves. Energy & Grid Reliability: DOE issued an emergency order covering 17 states, including New Mexico, authorizing the Southwest Power Pool to use backup generation during extreme heat to reduce blackout risk. Pipeline & Data Center Power: Sierra Club and partners filed thousands of comments opposing FERC’s push to expand “blanket certificate” approvals, arguing it could speed up methane infrastructure tied to a Green Chile Pipeline feeding a major data center south of Las Cruces. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs has sickened dozens across 17 states, with FDA tracing the source to Midwest Poultry Services eggs sold in parts of New Mexico. Local Resilience: Las Vegas adopted a 25-year urban forestry plan to use green stormwater infrastructure to cut post-wildfire flooding impacts. Workforce & Education: South Valley Academy teachers voted to organize with Teamsters Local 492, a first for New Mexico educators in that union. Retail Expansion: Paris Baguette is preparing a second Albuquerque location on the West Side, adding jobs and more café competition.

Broadband Affordability: New Mexico is taking public comment as it gears up to launch LITAP, a statewide low-income internet discount program meant to replace the expired ACP, with enrollment starting in December and provider rules now under review. Water Stress: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, underscoring how fast the Colorado River crisis is tightening for New Mexico and the rest of the basin. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order setting aside $500,000 to help western New Mexico communities respond to recent floods. Food Safety: FDA and retailers are warning shoppers about a recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs tied to possible Salmonella contamination, including sales at Kroger and Brookshire locations in New Mexico. Energy & Land: Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says New Mexico has driven “stripper well” participation to zero and is urging lawmakers to end the subsidy program. Local Business & Community: Albuquerque opens registration for before- and after-school programs, while the state also approved $2 million in upgrades for 17 animal shelters.

Food Safety: FDA is recalling more than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services (Texas) due to possible Salmonella Enteritidis. The eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire’s in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and also New Mexico, with sell-by dates running July 20–Aug. 17—check carton plant codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates 157–184. Border & Agriculture: USDA says it will begin a phased reopening of U.S.-Mexico live cattle imports Aug. 24, starting with Douglas, Arizona, then adding ports in New Mexico, with full inspections for New World screwworm. Water & Power Planning: Federal officials expect to release this week the Final Environmental Impact Statement for post-2026 Colorado River operations, shaping Lake Mead and Lake Powell management. Local Animal Welfare: New Mexico awarded $2 million to 17 animal shelters for renovations and construction. Insurance Risk: State regulators report a record number of homeowners facing non-renewals in 2025, especially in wildfire-prone counties. Mining Boom: New Mexico has seen more than 12,000 mining claims staked since 2023, driven by fast-track permitting and higher mineral prices.

Food Safety: The FDA says a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak affecting 98 people in 17 states is linked to a recall of eggs from Texas-based Midwest Poultry Services, with 26 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; investigators say lab, epidemiology, and traceback data point to the eggs, though the recall may not explain every illness. Energy & Water: Southwest cities are ramping up conservation as Lake Powell nears “dead pool” risk, with impacts on power and irrigation across the Colorado River system. Local Power Policy: A PNM proposal to change net metering would end solar credit banking and push customers into other rate arrangements, drawing renewed debate over who pays and who benefits. AI Data Centers & Water: Lawmakers are pressing for moratoriums and stronger federal rules as AI data centers raise concerns about local water, power, and community strain—an issue now spilling into New Mexico discussions. Broadband Permits: Sen. Ben Ray Luján and partners advanced a bill to speed federal broadband permitting to help unserved communities. Land & Forest Management: New Mexico land-grant and Forest Service negotiations continue after decades of conflict, with thinning and access tied to wildfire recovery. Public Health & Agriculture: New Mexico chile roasting is already drawing early demand as businesses gear up for the peak season.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC say a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and led to 26 hospitalizations across 17 states; consumers are urged to check cartons tied to Midwest Poultry Services and not eat recalled eggs. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis investigation linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has widened to four more states, with 1,947 reported infections and at least 98 hospitalizations, while New Mexico officials say they haven’t found a link to the outbreak. Agriculture & Trade: USDA will phase back Mexican cattle imports after a yearlong New World screwworm ban, starting Aug. 24 at the Douglas, Arizona port, with New Mexico ports (Santa Teresa and Columbus) expected to reopen later under strict inspections. Energy & Jobs: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued a lease for a wind farm repower that would replace older turbines with newer, higher-output models, generating 135 MW and funding for public schools over the lease life. Child Welfare Oversight: New Mexico CYFD described two virtual home visits before a teen was left at the border for reunification, raising questions about timing and jurisdiction. Local Infrastructure: A delayed roof and HVAC work at Harrison Schmitt Elementary highlights how school construction timelines can slip into the new year. Business/Legal: Paramount agreed to pause its Warner Bros. Discovery merger amid lawsuits led by a coalition including New Mexico’s attorney general.

Clean Energy Funding: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants “based solely” on whether recipients’ states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, drawing fresh backlash over politicized job-killing. Water & Power: New Mexico’s dust storms are intensifying—2025 brought record activity, and the state ranks among the worst for sand-and-dust events that threaten health and even renewable power. Agriculture & Trade: USDA will phase back Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24 at Douglas, Arizona, with later New Mexico ports (Santa Teresa, Columbus) as screwworm controls continue—an important swing for regional feedlots and prices. Livestock Health: USDA-backed research is pushing better screwworm lures, while the FDA/CDC continue tracking outbreaks tied to recalled eggs. Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6M dozen eggs over possible Salmonella; illnesses tied to the outbreak have reached 98 cases across 17 states, including New Mexico. Local Economy: Roswell officials are moving toward a Nov. 3 vote on a 0.25% Local Option GRT to fund operations and infrastructure. Public Lands & Fire Risk: The U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico signed a 20-year shared stewardship deal to expand timber use, restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction. Water Levels: Elephant Butte Lake is sliding toward near-record lows, with local businesses and marinas bracing for more disruption. Corporate Watch: Paramount agreed to delay its $111B Warner Bros. Discovery merger as antitrust fights continue, with New Mexico among the states in the legal challenge.

Data Center Policy: New Mexico lawmakers Sen. Carrie Hamblen and Reps. Micaela Lara Cadena, Angelica Rubio and Eleanor Chavez are pushing a 2027 moratorium on large-scale data centers until the state sets a framework for water use, energy demand, emissions, ratepayer impact and community benefits—aimed at projects like Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa. Food Safety: The FDA says a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations; investigators point to Midwest Poultry Services eggs sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores, including in New Mexico. Livestock & Biosecurity: USDA is partially lifting its ban on Mexican cattle imports after New World screwworm spread to Texas and New Mexico; imports would resume in phases via Arizona and later New Mexico ports. Weather & Flood Risk: Flash-flood warnings hit the Albuquerque metro as Embudo Arroyo rose above 10 feet, and a separate flood watch targets western New Mexico for heavy monsoon storms. Tribal Affairs: Navajo Nation’s primary narrowed the presidential field to Justin Jones and Crystalyne Curley, with Chaco Canyon protection a major campaign issue. Local Business/Real Estate: Trader Joe’s is reportedly seeking a West Side Albuquerque location in permit filings, while a $7M retail development is also under construction nearby. Media Industry: KRQE will drop CBS on Aug. 1 and switch to full-time Fox, with KOAT launching a digital stream to carry CBS programming. Energy/Infrastructure: New Mexico regulators rejected a natural gas pipeline tied to Oracle’s Project Jupiter data center, even as the state moves to expand energy infrastructure.

Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen eggs (white shell and brown cage-free) produced in Texas after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; FDA says the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi, with specific carton codes (P-1950 or 0840962) and sell-by dates July 20–Aug. 17, and no illnesses reported. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across the Mountain West; New Mexico has recorded 5 cases in 2026, with officials pointing to travel-linked exposure and urging careful produce washing. Energy & Infrastructure: Mexico and the U.S. are moving ahead on a desalination plant plan for Rosarito, aiming to reduce reliance on Colorado River water. Environment & Risk: New Mexico’s dust storms are increasing, with NOAA reporting dozens of events in 2025 and researchers warning about health and transport impacts. Tribal & Land Use: Pueblo leaders and lawmakers renewed calls to protect Chaco Canyon, opposing a proposed rollback of a drilling buffer zone. Local Economy/Transit: ABQ Ride ridership rose 4% in fiscal year 2026, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Legal/Politics: DOJ appealed voter-roll losses, including a New Mexico case, expanding its fight into more federal appeals courts.

Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs (white and brown, including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning and Sunups) after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; the eggs were sold in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and other states, and consumers are urged to check carton codes and return for refunds. Energy & Water: Lake Powell is nearing minimum power pool, raising the risk of higher electricity costs across the West as hydropower output declines. Oil & Gas: Matador Resources agreed to buy EnCap-backed Paloma Permian assets for about $1.3B, adding more Delaware Basin acreage in Eddy and Lea counties. Workforce & Logistics: Luna Community College expanded its CDL program with tuition-free pathways and is moving toward becoming a licensed state CDL testing site for Northern New Mexico. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across the Mountain West, with New Mexico reporting five cases in 2026 as officials point to travel and fresh-produce safety. Infrastructure & Tech: Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is expanding to more governors and utilities to shift data center upgrade costs away from consumers. Local Mobility: A crash closed Highway 47 south of Albuquerque, backing up I-25 near Isleta Lakes. Healthcare Access: Native Air and LifeGuard added TOCO monitors for continuous fetal monitoring during high-risk air transports. Legal/Tribes: New Mexico Indigenous nations moved to block Kalshi sports prediction offerings on Native land.

High-Tech Investment: New Mexico launched a $150 million fund aimed at quantum and other high-tech growth, with state leaders saying it will speed company expansion and jobs. Food Safety: The FDA recalled nearly 1.6 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services in Texas due to possible Salmonella Enteritidis; the eggs were sold across multiple states including New Mexico, with refunds offered. Energy & Land Use: Tribal leaders and New Mexico’s delegation are pushing back on federal moves that could weaken protections around Chaco Canyon, as a fast-tracked plan targets a mineral-leasing buffer. Digital Consumer Risk: A Jackpot Rabbit online gambling complaint highlights how some apps take personal data and block users after winnings; separate reporting also flags Meta’s ongoing legal fight over claims of harm to children. Public Safety & Wildlife: A bear climbed a 35-foot utility pole near Gladstone and later reportedly died after the incident went viral, renewing calls for caution around wildlife. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Albuquerque’s APD midyear crime snapshot shows drops in many categories but a surge in drug offenses. Weather: Heat advisory conditions continue across parts of eastern New Mexico, with storm coverage shifting north.

Colorado River Water Crisis: Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, with Mead at ~27% and Powell at ~23%, raising alarms for power generation and drinking water across the Southwest; Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is expected to release a strategy soon and basin states face possible mandatory cutbacks. Local Governance & Water Access: New Mexico State Parks says Elephant Butte Lake State Park remains open while crews clear exposed debris and adjust boat ramps as releases continue through July 28. Data Centers vs. Water: Sierra County unanimously approved an 18-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns about groundwater, ranching, agriculture, and rural quality of life tied to Spaceport America-linked proposals. AI Research Funding: Sandia National Laboratories was selected to lead six projects under the DOE’s Genesis Mission, aiming to use AI to speed scientific discovery in energy, minerals, fusion, and water systems. Energy & Water Policy: A bipartisan push calls for emergency funding to address Colorado River drought mitigation, including New Mexico’s delegation joining the effort. Education & Housing: Luna Community College secured a deal to house at least 65 students on the New Mexico Highlands University campus this fall. Public Safety & Health: Native Air added a Las Cruces-based Pilatus PC-12 air ambulance to expand patient transport options across New Mexico, Arizona, and western Texas. Legal/Regulatory: Nevada courts found Meta likely violated consumer protection law over Messenger encryption safety disclosures involving children, and a preliminary injunction was issued.

Hollywood Antitrust: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez backed a multistate court fight that temporarily halts the Warner Bros. Discovery–Paramount merger, arguing it would cut competition and raise costs for viewers. Workforce & Training: New Mexico Workforce Solutions won $900,000 to expand registered apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity, with added outreach to veterans, women, rural communities, and people with disabilities. Border Security Tech: Sandia National Laboratories tested rapidly deployable portable security systems in rugged terrain, aiming to speed detection and decision-making for drones, sensors, radar, and cameras. Local Government & Land Use: Chaves County commissioners may hire a contractor to advise on endangered species and federal land issues, including comments on proposed listings and updates to the comprehensive plan. Energy & Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million in post-disaster funding that includes New Mexico, supporting public assistance and hazard mitigation projects. Agriculture & Health: A New Mexico Department of Agriculture update flags public hearings on proposed rule amendments, while a national CDC update reports cyclosporiasis cases topping 4,000 across 41 states. Construction/Schools: State officials approved a new San Jon Municipal Schools building project costing nearly $52M. Business & Tech Product Launch: Albuquerque chef George Lovato Jr. introduced Chef-iT™, a voice-activated culinary AI avatar aimed at recipe development, costing, training, and kitchen organization.