Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management will issue leases effective Feb. 1 for 17 oil and gas parcels totaling 6,259 acres in the Farmington and Rio Puerco field offices in New Mexico. BLM offered the acres for lease in March and June 2019. The lease sales were held in 2019, but BLM could not issue the leases due to incomplete Tribal consultation and unresolved protests. BLM has since completed Tribal consultation, updated the environmental analysis, and resolved protests. The leases are being issued with the same stipulations as those in the original 2019 leases.

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office today opened a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on 21 oil and gas parcels totaling 8,860 acres that may be included in a November 2025 lease sale in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The comment period ends March 3, 2025.

The parcels the BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment are available on the BLM's ePlanning website at:

New Mexico: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2035973/510 and https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2035974/510

Oklahoma: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2035975/510

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico State Parks announces the official opening of ice fishing season at Eagle Nest Lake, Fenton Lake, and Sugarite Canyon State Parks. Anglers eager to bundle up and cast a line can now enjoy this winter tradition—while taking precautions to stay safe on the ice.

"We welcome ice fishing enthusiasts to enjoy this winter fishing season. However, we ask that they take precautions to ensure that their outings are safe and enjoyable," said Toby Velasquez, director for New Mexico State Parks.

Ice Fishing Guidelines & Safety Tips

SANTA FE, N.M. — Today, the State of New Mexico and GreenPower Motor Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an all-electric, purpose-built school bus pilot project in school districts across the state.

GreenPower President Brendan Riley and New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Secretary-Designate Rob Black signed the MOU. EDD is working with the company to find a service center facility in the state.

ALBUQUERQUE, JANUARY 29— The Republican Party of New Mexico continues to advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens. We recognize that the enforcement of immigration laws, including the deportation of illegal immigrants, especially those convicted of criminal activity, is the right course of action for New Mexico.

Over the past several years, our communities have faced rising challenges due to unchecked illegal immigration, including increases in fentanyl distribution, violent crimes, property theft, homelessness, and overwhelmed public resources. The burden on our hospitals, law enforcement, and social services has escalated, depleting resources intended to support our elderly, veterans, and low-income families. This crisis has placed immense strain on New Mexicans who depend on these vital services.

Report finds record-high PFAS levels in wildlife and plants

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has issued a health advisory to hunters or anyone who consumed or captured wildlife from Holloman Lake between 2010 and 2024. This follows a new environmental report revealing record-breaking levels of contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in plants and wildlife.

Santa Fe, NM — In light of a recent attack from New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya, Senate Republicans are demanding she issue a public apology to Senator Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho). While addressing a New Mexico Association of Counties meeting last week, Montoya insulted Senator Block, alleging he does not care about veterans. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and a combat veteran, Senator Block is rightfully offended by the Treasurer's personal attack.

Senate Republican Leader and Army veteran Bill Sharer has issued the following statement:

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after voting against advancing the confirmation of President Trump's controversial and unqualified nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth.

"Pete Hegseth's dishonorable record of sexual assault and domestic violence, drunk and disorderly conduct in public, racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, disregard for the laws of war, and financial mismanagement of the small veterans organizations he once oversaw would disqualify him from leading any organization — let alone the Pentagon.