AGP Executive Report

Local Infrastructure: Truth or Consequences marked the reopening of Foch Street after a long, grant-funded rebuild, with city and MainStreet leaders crediting more than $3M in funding and thanking businesses for enduring closures and construction disruption. Road & Mobility: Albuquerque is studying design options for San Antonio Drive after residents flagged deteriorating pavement; the city says it will recommend an approach by year-end, with changes targeted for the following year. Energy Prices: Diesel remains volatile but steady in New Mexico—Rio Arriba County hit a weekly low of $5.15/gal (week ending Sept. 5), while the state average was $5.70/gal; Roosevelt County’s regular gas weekly low was $3.93/gal. Climate & Fire: New Mexico Tech’s Zeljka Stone says heat, shrinking snowpack, and drought match long-running Southwest climate projections; meanwhile the Frijoles Fire reached 79% containment, with smoke expected to linger across northern communities. Oil & Production: EIA forecasts U.S. crude output to average a record 13.8M b/d in 2026, with expansion concentrated in the Permian (Texas and New Mexico). Community & Culture: Levitt AMP kicked off its seven-week Ralph Edwards Park concert series, with more local acts scheduled through Oct. 22.

Fusion & Defense: Fusion startups are finding new defense partners as climate-tech funding cools, with laser and air-defense demand boosting interest in grid-adjacent power research. Energy Markets: EIA forecasts U.S. crude output hitting a record 13.8 million b/d in 2026, with growth concentrated in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. Power Infrastructure: ERCOT “Batch Zero” designations are turning into a public scoreboard for AI-era power plans, as projects seek Base Load or Studied Load status to signal readiness. Utilities & Bills: New Mexico’s AG office is pressing PNM over unusually high customer bills, including complaints about estimated charges. Data Centers & Air Quality: Letters argue EPA changes are weakening clean-air rules and public right-to-know as AI data centers expand, including concerns about generator pollution and permitting transparency. Local Industry: Santa Fe Brewing Co. is pursuing growth despite craft beer headwinds. Workforce & Tech: A New Mexico workforce push links community college training with Sandia-linked advanced manufacturing and emerging tech pipelines. Water & Drought: Colorado River reporting warns federal cutbacks could force unprecedented reductions, with downstream impacts for Arizona agriculture.

Utility Oversight: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez’s office pressed PNM over “unusually high” customer bills, including complaints about estimated charges and lack of timely customer service. Hydrogen & Water Scrutiny: A local column argues the planned Questa hydrogen facility needs a redesign after concerns about where it sits, how it uses water, and how much public input was involved. Water Policy Debate: Another opinion piece backs letting the state engineer follow New Mexico water law in Project Jupiter-related well decisions, while a separate column warns brackish-water plans may cost far more than expected. Education & Facilities: Harrison Middle School unveiled the first phase of a $30.3M makeover, adding a new gym, cafeteria, and arts spaces funded by bonds and state matching dollars. Energy & Environment: A report flags New Mexico oil and gas sites tied to radioactive air pollution and lung-damaging ozone. Agriculture & Biosecurity: USDA launched a New World screwworm page for hunters; officials say risk is low but urge early reporting of unusual wounds or maggots. Local Business: Enchantment Eats brings northern New Mexico cuisine to Salida via a rebuilt food truck, leaning on Navajo and Mexican traditions. Workforce & Cost Watch: WNMU staff wages are described as “on the path” to competitiveness, while gas prices in multiple counties stayed in the high-$3s for regular and mid-$5s for diesel.

Energy & Power Transition: PNM says it’s leaning on its Albuquerque-area gas fleet to cover nighttime demand as it ramps renewables, with the Reeves Generating Station described as a key “thermal” backstop while coal exits loom. Oil & Gas Health Impacts: New studies tied to the Loving, N.M. Permian Basin area link oil-and-gas operations to higher airborne radiation and elevated ozone, pointing to flaring, compressors, and wastewater ponds as likely sources. Nuclear Oversight: Communities for Clean Water is pressing New Mexico’s congressional delegation to release overdue DOE/NNSA plutonium pit production reports tied to Los Alamos, arguing communities and Pueblos need the documents to assess safety. Local Infrastructure: Albuquerque City Council passed a “Quick Build” amendment to speed up cheaper street safety fixes for pedestrians and cyclists. Education & Facilities: Albuquerque Public Schools reports about 400 open HVAC work orders, with some cooling repairs delayed by parts shipping. Water Policy: Archbishop John Wester urged action on New Mexico’s drought and water stewardship, spotlighting acequias and equity in access. Manufacturing/Jobs: Array Technologies says it’s expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a new Albuquerque facility. Transportation Funding: TRIP and NMDOT officials told lawmakers New Mexico has $7.5B in scoped road projects but lacks funding to execute them.

Education & Public Health: Albuquerque Public Schools says about 400 cooling work orders are still open, with some classrooms waiting on AC parts and repairs as the city breaks heat records. Energy & Industry: Oracle is pushing up to 2 GW of renewables for its Project Jupiter data center in Santa Teresa, but the campus still relies on 2.45 GW of natural-gas Bloom Energy fuel cells, raising questions about real emissions cuts. Nuclear & Environmental Oversight: Communities for Clean Water is urging New Mexico’s congressional delegation to force the release of overdue DOE and NNSA plutonium safety reports tied to Los Alamos’ planned pit production expansion. Tech Leadership: Oracle’s October user conference will spotlight new co-CEOs Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia, with founder Larry Ellison notably absent. Local Housing & Community Services: A San Juan County Housing Summit drew about 150 leaders to tackle rural affordability and access to housing programs. Transportation Infrastructure: TRIP says 56% of New Mexico’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, while NMDOT has $7.5B in scoped projects but lacks funding to fix them. Business & Trade: VARA Winery & Distillery expands New Mexico sparkling wine distribution into New York and New Jersey. Agriculture & Workforce: NMSU’s College of ACES hosted its annual Fall Festival to connect students with clubs and animal-focused programs.

AI in Courts: A New Mexico Supreme Court contempt ruling says a Santa Fe attorney used ChatGPT in an Oscar murder appeal and submitted made-up police statements and witness accounts, ordering a $5,000 penalty and sending the matter to an attorney discipline board. Renewables & Manufacturing: Array Technologies opened a new Albuquerque manufacturing facility aimed at boosting in-house solar tracker components and creating about 300 jobs, while Invenergy and HASI closed a partnership backing a 2.7-GW wind/solar/solar-plus-storage portfolio that includes New Mexico projects. Broadband & Connectivity: Oracle plans a public environmental dashboard for Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter, with twice-yearly third-party reviews covering noise, heat, emissions, and water use; separately, Sparklight touted top Ookla internet performance results across multiple states. Energy Outlook: EIA forecasts U.S. crude production could hit a record 13.8 million barrels per day in 2026, with growth concentrated in the Permian (Texas/New Mexico) and the federal Gulf. Local Economy & Housing: New Mexico’s business churn is highlighted by a study showing New Mexico among the lowest 10-year business survival rates, and Farmington school leaders debated pausing mandatory online elementary assessments over screen fatigue concerns. Media & Jobs: Netflix canceled “Ransom Canyon” after two seasons, affecting hundreds of New Mexico workers tied to the production.

New Mexico DOJ vs. Meta: Attorneys played a Mark Zuckerberg deposition video in the state’s Facebook trial, pressing questions on data handling, content moderation, and how third-party apps accessed user information. Housing & Construction: Homewise opened its 72-unit, all-electric Sombra del Oeste townhome community in southwest Albuquerque, aiming to expand “starter home” options as demand stays tight. Local Infrastructure: Albuquerque City Council approved a “Quick Build” amendment to its Complete Streets ordinance, pushing faster, lower-cost safety upgrades during routine road work. Energy & Tech: Oracle’s Project Jupiter update to Doña Ana County included a new RFP for 2 GW of carbon-free power and funding for carbon capture research, while commissioners questioned transparency on noise and energy plans. Public Lands: BLM Las Cruces hosted a “Public Lands-a-palooza” tied to America’s 250th, spotlighting recreation partners and community access. Wildfire & Federal Policy: New Mexico environmental groups held forums opposing USDA’s proposed rollback of the Roadless Rule, arguing it could worsen wildfire risk and limit protections. Real Estate Risk: A report links rising homeowners insurance costs and cancellations to deal failures and pressure on home sales. Science & Defense: Sandia advanced chip-scale quantum sensing with a compact atom-guiding approach aimed at navigation when GPS is jammed. Cybercrime: A ringleader in a $245M crypto theft pleaded guilty after hacking victims’ accounts, including a New Mexico home break-in for a hardware wallet.

Defense & Drones: AeroVironment jumped about 5% after landing its first international LOCUST laser counter-drone order worth $50M, while the broader drone ETF drifted lower—more company-specific than sector-wide. Energy Infrastructure: NextEra is seeking a tax break for the $696M Magpie Energy Center on Pajarito Mesa in Bernalillo County, a solar-plus-battery project targeting construction in 2027 and operations in 2029. Data Centers & Power Markets: Ionic Digital says ERCOT has provisionally classified the final 466MW tranche for its Ward County campus as base load in Batch Zero, keeping a target energization by end of 2027. Water & Risk: Experts warn the Colorado River could hit a Lee’s Ferry “tripwire” threshold by October, raising the odds of costly Supreme Court fights over basin allocations. New Mexico Policy: New Mexico’s Land Commissioner signed an order banning new uranium mining leases on state trust land without Navajo consultation, while Catron County residents are pushing back against a proposed exploration project. Health Insurance: New Mexico approved 2027 ACA plan rates on and off BeWell, with an average premium increase of 24.4% and subsidies expected to soften the impact.

Solar Manufacturing: ARRAY Technologies opened a new $50M, 216,000-square-foot Albuquerque plant, aiming to expand domestic production and add about 300 jobs as the solar market stays volatile amid FCC inverter rules and polysilicon tariff uncertainty. Defense & Tech: U.S. AeroVironment won its first international LOCUST laser counter-drone order worth over $50M, signaling faster scaling of directed-energy defenses for drone-heavy threats. Energy Policy: Canada said it will scale back environmental reviews for major energy projects as trade tensions with the U.S. heat up, while New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pushed natural gas export talks on a Mexico City mission. Water & Agriculture: The U.S. and Mexico signed 2027-2028 Colorado River operating guidelines, cutting deliveries by 250,000 acre-feet and setting up salinity pilots. Local Courts & Privacy: New Mexico began opening arguments in its Facebook/Meta trial tied to Cambridge Analytica-style data practices. Wildlife & Legal Battles: 20 states and DC sued the Trump administration over Endangered Species Act rollbacks, challenging changes to “harm” definitions and critical habitat processes. Community & Health: A child died after a medical emergency at New Mexico Early Learning Academy in Tijeras; officials say foul play isn’t suspected. Infrastructure & Housing: Albuquerque’s fiber expansion rules are under debate as a city proposal would limit pauses and adjust repair timelines amid homeowner complaints. Agriculture & Climate Impacts: New Mexico State Fair harvests showed smaller produce and fewer entries after heat and drought. Business & Real Estate: A historic Old Town-area Albuquerque property, including a former U.S. Post Office, is listed for $875,000.

Defense Manufacturing: AeroVironment landed its first international LOCUST laser weapon order, a deal worth $50M+ that follows a $464.8M U.S. Army award and comes with major Albuquerque manufacturing expansion. Renewables & Data Centers: Oracle issued an RFP for 2GW of new renewable capacity in New Mexico tied to its Project Jupiter buildout, while broader clean-power additions hit record levels and local data-center regulation gaps keep drawing scrutiny. Wildfire Costs: New Mexico sued FEMA seeking reimbursement of at least $61M for Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire response costs tied to the National Guard. Uranium Policy: New Mexico’s land commissioner banned new uranium leases on state trust lands in Cibola County, escalating the fight over future mining. Water & Power: Clean power growth continues, but Colorado River uncertainty remains a looming risk for basin economies and planning. School Meals: SNAP cuts could ripple into New Mexico school breakfast and lunch access, even for students not enrolled in SNAP. Local Utilities: Continental Divide Electric Cooperative named a new CEO/GM, Manuel J. “Manny” Gonzales, as it plans for reliability and growth.

Project Jupiter Update: Oracle and Bloom Energy told Doña Ana County commissioners the AI data center is 26% complete, but an air-quality permit is on hold after New Mexico’s Supreme Court paused the process while legal challenges play out. Local Economy & Talent Pipeline: A proposed advanced manufacturing campus at unused Albuquerque Public Schools land in the Sandia Science & Technology Park aims to train and commercialize energy and tech skills to keep young talent in New Mexico. Clean Power Growth: New Mexico led the U.S. in new utility-scale clean power capacity additions in the latest quarter, driven largely by the SunZia wind project. School Meals: A national report ranks New Mexico No. 2 for school meal performance in 2026, highlighting strong reach and participation. Cyber/Finance: Meta’s $18 billion multistate settlement landed as the company rolled out Muse, a consumer AI agent that will connect to users’ everyday apps—raising fresh trust and privacy questions. Public Safety: A Santa Fe man was charged in the shooting death of his sister, and a separate SR 260 crash near Heber left four dead and multiple others hurt.

Film & Media Economy: New Mexico’s film industry leaders say momentum is building after a sold-out “On Set in New Mexico” conference, with talk of a possible state incentive overhaul and a proposed $150M film loan fund to help productions finance projects locally. Commercial Real Estate: A CREDA poll finds 93% of New Mexico real estate leaders say the state’s gross receipts tax makes doing business harder, with 60% calling it “significantly” more difficult. Defense/Directed Energy: AeroVironment landed its first international purchase order for its LOCUST counter-drone laser system, a $50M+ milestone that follows a major U.S. Army laser contract. Telehealth & Addiction: Quel Health launched as a national telehealth company built around GLP-1 receptor agonists for addiction, partnering with Caron Treatment Centers and expanding care to 41 states plus D.C. Water & Infrastructure: After Colorado River talks stalled, the federal government stepped in with a 10-year framework for managing Lakes Powell and Mead, setting mandatory cuts for the Lower Basin and renegotiations ahead. Policy/Identity: New Mexico lawmakers and Democrats pushed back hard as Trump again floated renaming the state to “New America,” underscoring the fight over branding versus real economic priorities.

Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Transfer pushed back its Green Chile Project pipeline in New Mexico from Aug. 2026 to Feb. 2027, citing regulatory setbacks, land-rights disputes, and loss of fast-track status—an issue tied to gas supply plans for Project Jupiter. Water & Environment: Environmental groups are urging policymakers to act as Colorado River cutback plans loom, calling for proactive water-use reductions and deeper tribal involvement. Local Economy & Industry: Ruidoso Downs says it will move major Triple Crown races, including the All American Futurity, to Texas in 2027 after fires and flooding disrupted operations—raising alarms for New Mexico fans and businesses. Right to Repair: Auto repair shops warn they face delays and “inconvenience” without right-to-repair access, as modern vehicles increasingly rely on dealer-only tools and information. Public Safety: Albuquerque police arrested a murder suspect tied to a shooting spree, and crews responded to a SE Albuquerque house fire that injured one person. State Policy Watch: New Mexico’s uranium mining ban on state trust lands continues to draw attention as permitting and oversight debates intensify.

Uranium & water risk: In Datil, residents packed a county meeting to oppose NovaCore Exploration’s proposed uranium drilling, warning it could threaten the local aquifer; regulators say the application is in technical review. Energy & utilities: More than 50 groups and 1,400 residents urged New Mexico leaders to invest $400 million of state funds into TXNM Energy (instead of Blackstone) to secure a stake in the state’s largest electric utility. Mining & metals: Strategic Minerals’ Redmoor tungsten project in Cornwall highlights how the company’s New Mexico magnetite revenue ties into a broader push for critical minerals. Real estate & taxes: A CREDA poll finds New Mexico’s gross receipts tax is weighing on commercial development momentum, with deal velocity stuck around mid-level ratings. Climate pressure: Albuquerque logged its hottest August and summer on record, with heat stress and below-normal rainfall flagged as a concern for health systems and industry. Labor & workforce: Labor Day coverage spotlights New Mexico’s workplace injury toll and the strain on working families. Local agriculture & food: Hatch Chile Festival drew tens of thousands over Labor Day weekend, underscoring chile’s economic pull. Media & tech: Meta’s youth-focused settlement and ongoing social media scrutiny keep fueling calls for stronger protections.

Wolf Policy Shock: Trump signed an order pushing the Interior Department to consider rolling back Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, with a 90-day review and potential changes that could affect livestock conflict rules. Water & Permitting: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez backed emergency petitions at the state Supreme Court over Project Jupiter permitting, arguing agencies skipped required notice and hearings tied to water and well-use decisions. Mining Watch: A public hearing is set for Sept. 17 on the Copper Flat Mine plan, including a proposed dry-stack tailings system aimed at cutting freshwater demand. Uranium Oversight: The state land commissioner issued an order banning new uranium mining leases on state trust lands, countering federal expansion pressure. Local Business/Real Estate: Winrock Town Center in Albuquerque is topping 90% occupancy as it reshapes an old mall into a mixed-use hub. Industry Events: Registration opened for the 29th Annual New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference (Nov. 16-19, Farmington). Public Safety: Santa Fe police are investigating a 24-year-old woman’s death after an “accidental” rifle shooting report turned into a homicide probe.

Energy & Mining Policy: New Mexico’s land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an executive order banning uranium mining on state trust lands, citing contamination risks from thousands of abandoned sites. Wildlife & Agriculture: President Trump signed an order directing Interior to consider rolling back Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, with ranching compensation and lethal-removal rules in the mix. Data Centers & Water Rights: New Mexico’s Supreme Court denied a motion to partially lift a stay tied to Project Jupiter air-quality permit proceedings, while Attorney General Raúl Torrez backed emergency petitions arguing state agencies skipped required notice and hearings in permitting. Utilities Oversight: An opinion piece questions whether the Public Regulation Commission can deliver strong, independent oversight as private investors seek control of New Mexico Gas and TXNM Energy/PNM. Infrastructure Funding: Registration opened for the 29th Annual New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference (Nov. 16–19 in Farmington). Local Economy/Real Estate: Winrock Town Center near Albuquerque is seeing renewed momentum as it reshapes from an indoor mall into a mixed-use town center with rising occupancy. Public Health & Safety: A report highlights New Mexico nursing homes with high citation rates, while a separate story describes an Albuquerque shooting spree ending after a bus driver recognized a suspect from a wanted flyer. Education: New Mexico’s free school lunch program is set to remain intact through at least 2030 despite federal SNAP cuts.