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Groups Ask Court to Help "Clear the Air" on Clean Cars Case

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque - More than a dozen groups have asked a federal court to let them come to the defense of the state's "Clean Cars" standards  which are opposed by Zangara Dodge, Jack Key Motors, the National Automobile Dealers Association and other dealerships who have sued the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque in federal court. Similar lawsuits filed in California and Vermont have failed.

Environmental, public health and consumer groups are running to the defense of cleaner, more efficient cars for New Mexico and have asked a federal court to let them help defend the state's "Clean Car" standards, which were adopted last year. Environment New Mexico is one of the groups asking to be an "intervener-defendant" on the case.  Director Lauren Ketcham with Environment New Mexico calls the auto dealers' suit "frivolous" and says the standards are in the best interest of all New Mexican, "It sets stricter standards for health-hazardous air pollutants, requires greater investment and production of advanced technology vehicles by manufacturers and would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The car dealers say the tougher standards would increase the cost of buying a car and drive consumers to make the big purchase in other states. Ketcham says the increased cost would be more than offset by the savings in gas from more fuel-efficient cars. New Mexico was the thirteenth state to adopt clean car standards; similar challenges in other states have failed.  Ketcham says she's confident the court will uphold the program, and she says it's a shame that time has to be wasted on litigation, "Rather than the auto industry just rolling up their sleeves and working to deliver the cleaner vehicles that drivers want, and that frankly, four dollars a gallon gas demands."

Richardson, Other Guvs, Get "Energized" Over Protecting Wildlife

Jackson Hole, WY - Governor Richardson is back in New Mexico fresh from a meeting of Western Governors in Wyoming, where recommendations were approved to help give wildlife a seat at the table when it comes to energy development and infrastructure in New Mexico, and the rest of the West. Western Governors put their energy in to making sure western wildlife is protected. The annual Western Governors meeting was held in in Wyoming where more than a dozen of the Governors approved recommendations to help protect wildlife and their habitat in the face of current plans to build wide energy corridors across the West. Wildlife biologist Steve Torbit with the National Wildlife Federation says it's a bold move for the gubernatorial group, "What the Governors have said is, 'in these special areas, how can development adjust to maintain wildlife?' So, they've really turned the paradigm on its head."

Torbit said that the Governors also agreed that the public should have more of a say in oil and gas drilling in the West. He adds that despite the Governors' agreement, much of the decision-making power still lies in the hands of the federal and local governments. Torbit who was one of the experts who helped to shape the Governors' recommendations, added that more and more Western politicians have come to understand the value of wildlife, not only to the environment, but to the local culture and economy, "It's, I think, an important recognition of the value that wildlife has for the people of the West and the landscape of the West."

Feds blame locals for gas/oil drilling slowdown (& prices at the pump)

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Santa Fe - A new report finds the federal government blames local communities for slowing down oil and gas drilling because those communities are trying to protect water and other resources. And the blame game continues despite the fact that most leased lands sit idle while industry plays catch-up on development, and the clamor for more leases continues.

The federal government says local laws to protect clean water in New Mexico and the West are 'impediments' to boosting domestic oil and gas production, even though the industry can't keep up with all of its own leases to drill on federal land. A new analysis from the Wilderness Society of federal documents shows millions of leased acres are sitting idle. Report co-author Dave Alberswerth with The Wilderness Society says, at the same time, the push to lease more land continues. And he takes issue with one recent government report that blames local communities for 'hindering' development - when those communities are interested in making sure water isn't contaminated, "They're critical of local government entities for wanting to protect their water supplies."

Alberswerth says drilling has been a boom for New Mexico, but there's even greater potential for the state to continue leading the way in alternative energies. And with only a quarter of leased lands under development, there's time for those new technologies to catch up. Critics of The Wilderness Society report say the push to drill matches increased demand.

The Wilderness Society's Eleanor Huffines says the oil and gas boom in New Mexico has been great for state revenues and a small group of workers and businesses, but most New Mexicans are still feeling pain at the pump and looking for energy alternatives, "People are, rightfully so, concerned about prices at the pump. And we need to have a dialogue that helps resolve some of the stress, and looking at alternative energy." The full report is at http://www.wilderness.org/NewsRoom/Release/20080529.cfm

Gas, & Child Health Among Reasons to Explore NM's Backyard, Starting with 'National Trails Day'

 from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque - With gas prices way up, there's more reason than ever to take the family outdoors this summer, something that's sorely needed for the mental and physical health of New Mexico children, according to recent federal stats on child health. Here in New Mexico gas has surged past four dollars per gallon and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is encouraging more families to "hit the trail" instead of the road this summer vacation. NWF education director Heather White says it's not only healthier for the family budget.  Especially in this age of concern about childhood obesity White says,  "Not only do you have mental health and academic benefits, you also have the physical benefits of exercise." 

Referring to an additional benefit of childhood exercise, White says research has shown that children with attention deficit disorders have improved concentration in the classroom when they spend time outside. According to White this weekend's National Trails Day is a perfect way to start summer in the great outdoors.

The National Wildlife Federation has compiled research that shows today's children are suffering severe "nature deficits." Kevin Coyle with the Federation says some parents keep children indoors because of "stranger danger" fears, which he says are unfounded - and he says there are more risks for kids in the technological world, "The child who's online has a 1 in 5 chance of communicating directly with a sexual predator. It's actually, in our opinion, more dangerous for a kid online than it is outdoors."

Inaction on Climate Change Racks Up Huge Bill for NM and Southwest

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Santa Fe - A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council finds the costs of inaction on climate change are already being racked up in New Mexico and across the Southwest, especially when it comes to water resources and energy costs. New Mexico and other Southwestern states are racking up a huge tab when it comes to the costs from climate change. The report has come out just as the state gears up for the peak of a wildfire season that got an early start, despite a wet winter. Ann Watkins is a special assistant to the state engineer - she says more fires are just the beginning, "We have a number of smaller water systems which will be really impacted. Ecosystem issues are going to be just tremendous, forest fires we've already seen."  The report predicts the total cost on water resources nationwide could be nearly a trillion dollars, with much of the cost concentrated in the Southwest and Southeast. Watkins says the changing climate will also cost the state a bundle for more energy to power cooling systems. 

Consuelo Bokum with 1000 Friends of New Mexico says that when it comes to water, New Mexico already had problems. Bokum says "Even without climate change, the West and New Mexico in particular is facing problems associated with water availability and water scarcity. And has climate change accelerates, those problems are only going to increase drastically."  Bokum says the report points out that climate change will also hurt agriculture. She says action needs to be taken now to avoid serious financial and social consequences.  Te report is available at http://nrdc.org 

USDA Report: Climate Change Real, Impacts in NM 'Less Than Enchanting'

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
The federal government says climate change is happening right now and New Mexico is already feeling the burn. The USDA says impacts to livestock have already been seen and that's just the beginning. It's going to take more than just 'cool heads' to prevail over climate change that's already happening in New Mexico and other Western states. A new federal government report released on Tuesday says climate change is real, it's happening now, and the Land of Enchantment has already been impacted. Ecosystem researcher Steve Archer is one of the report authors. He says New Mexico's landscape is extra-sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation, "Projected climate changes will increase the sensitivity of arid lands to disturbances, such as fire, grazing and off-road vehicle use, and it will limit their ability to recover from these disturbances."

The report says the effects of climate change on New Mexico's livestock industry have already been seen - between 2001 and 2002, the USDA saw net income from livestock production in New Mexico fall by 279 million dollars. While the report doesn't make any recommendations for reducing the pollution scientifically linked to climate change, it's expected the data will help shape future state and federal policy.

After Governor Richardson declared last year the "Year of Water," report author and director of the Joint Global Change Research Institute Tony Janetos says every year from now on may require the same focus on conserving precious natural resources, "This is no longer just an issue of what might happen in the coming decades. Many of these are changes that are going on now, they're going on more rapidly than we might have anticipated."

The report estimates parts of the west could see average temperature increases of as much as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. A separate 2007 study found that the Colorado River Basin, which includes New Mexico, is already the nation's fastest-warming region.  The report, "The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity," is at www.usda.gov.

Great Streets" Plan Makes Stop at Duke City Planning Commission Today

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque - The Duke City's 'Great Streets' plan goes before the Environmental Planning Commission today. Manjeet Tangri, urban design planner for Albuquerque's planning department, says the plan will help make Albuquerque safer and create a unique sense of place.

A great state deserves great streets, and Albuquerque is hoping to lead the way in New Mexico. The city will hold a hearing today on its "Great Streets" plan to give the Duke City's roadways a unique sense of place with an emphasis on modes of transportation besides driving, like walking and biking. According to Tangri "People forget that even the people who drive, they have to walk, you have to walk from your car and to you car. Walking is the basic fundamental need of everyone. And yet our streets don't accommodate them."

Tangri added that the plan would help make walkways and sidewalks safer and more accessible, with improvements like more shade for the hot climate. She says the plan still needs approval from the city council, and if all goes well, Central Avenue in the Nob Hill neighborhood could become one of the first 'Great Street' prototypes in the state.

She says it's important that streets be designed to serve everyone from children to baby boomers - a diverse population that does more than just drive, "We walk, we take a bus, we bicycle, we drive - it's really important that our streets accommodate all the people."  The hearing is at 3:30 at Plaza del Sol in the basement hearing room of the Environmental Planning Commission.

'Water Speculation' Pushes Gila River on to 'Most Endangered' List

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico

Datil, NM - A new report (from the group American Rivers) names the Gila River as one of the nation's 'Ten Most Endangered,' citing a massive water diversion project that has met local opposition. A new report finds the Gila River is being endangered by out-of-state speculators, but not the kind you might expect. A New York company hopes to pump billions of gallons of groundwater from the San Augustine Basin and pipe it to the Rio Grande to help the state meet its water compact obligations to Texas. A report from the group American Rivers finds the plan could impact the flows of the Gila River, which it lists as one of the country's 'Ten Most Endangered Rivers.' Bruce Frederick with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center calls it 'water speculation' that is contrary to the public welfare, saying "And that's not allowed under New Mexico water law, you can't speculate in water, you have to put water to beneficial use within a reasonable amount of time."

The company, Augustin Plains Ranch LLC, says the plan could create a new source of water for cities along the Rio Grande - but several opponents say it amounts to a water grab that could pit bigger cities against rural areas.  Andrew Fahlund with American Rivers says the state should look to conservation measures to meet its obligations and make it a priority to protect the Gila, "The Gila in its natural state is one of the great rivers in the nation, and in fact is the place where we founded the Wilderness Act in this country and it would be a tragedy to move forward with this project." The report is online at americanrivers.org .

Poll: NM Hispanic Voters "Lean Green"

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico

Albuquerque - A new, first-of-its-kind poll (sponsored by Sierra Club) finds a vast majority of Hispanic voters in New Mexico and nationwide are concerned about global warming and the environment, and they're willing to take steps to improve it. Hispanic voters in New Mexico - and across the country - tend to "lean green." That's according to a new, first-of-its-kind poll (sponsored by the Sierra Club) - it finds more than 80 percent of Hispanic voters nationwide consider global warming to be a major problem, and a solid majority say they're willing to take action to help improve the environment. Oliver Bernstein with the Sierra Club says the poll shows Hispanic voters in New Mexico enjoy the outdoors and are concerned with protecting open spaces in the Land of Enchantment, "It sounds like the environment, energy and global warming are very much on the mind of Hispanics in New Mexico today."

Bernstein says the poll found Hispanics are sometimes more concerned than other groups about environmental problems. The bilingual poll surveyed a thousand Hispanic voters nationwide, including many in New Mexico and other Southwestern states. Bernstein says the poll also found over 90 percent of Hispanic voters nationwide feel a faith-based obligation to care for the Earth, "Including forests, oceans, lakes and rivers. So, we see a very, very strong connection through faith and culture to environmental protection."

Sportsmen: Give Public Lands a 'Sporting Chance' Against Energy Development

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New Mexico
Albuquerque - Sportsmen from around the Rocky Mountain West are calling for responsible energy development that affects public lands, wildlife and fish habitat. Members from "Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development" have also drafted a "Sportsmen's Bill of Rights." They say New Mexico's prized wild spaces should be given a 'sporting chance' in the face of a growing energy boom.

Sportsmen from around the state and the West are calling for more responsible energy development and a 'Sportsmen's Bill of Rights.' Oscar Simpson with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation says public lands are meant to have multiple uses, including sporting and development. He says there's a way to do it and he's seen it done before, just not by the current administration, "You can have it both ways. You can protect fish and wildlife habitat and the water resources and then you can develop the energy that we need, and that's what we're about."

The Sportsmen's Bill of Rights includes calls for more public input and control over public lands and that industry pay a fair share of cleanup costs from energy development. Members of the group will testify Thursday at a House Small Business Committee hearing on oil and gas development on public lands.

Mike Dombeck, former chief of the U-S Forest Service, says when it comes to energy development, there's no need to follow in the footsteps of yesterday's mining industry and the environmental legacy it left in the West,  "40 percent of the streams in the west impaired in some way - some totally fishless as a result, and we don't have to do that anymore." For more information go to www.sportsmen4responsibleenergy.org .