Non-Local News Releases

IPANM (March 7, 2024) - As a result of the decision by New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to abruptly suspend all future Oil & Gas premium tract leasing until her legislation calling for an increase of royalty rates to 25% is passed, IPANM's Jim Winchester has responded with following statement:

"The State Land Office has unilaterally decided to cut off future revenues to state beneficiaries and the general fund by suspending new leasing of premium tracts. IPANM strongly opposes this action especially considering the decision was abruptly announced without any consideration of the economic impact to all New Mexicans."

--Jim Winchester, IPANM Executive Director

"Laken Riley was murdered in cold blood by an illegal immigrant who was detained in El Paso and then released into our country because of Joe Biden's policies. In response, today the U.S. House passed the Laken Riley Act, which would require ICE to detain migrants who are arrested for committing a crime. Shockingly, Rep. Vasquez voted no on this bill. His disgraceful vote is a slap in the face to all American citizens who are rightly concerned about the invasion at our southern border and the violence that comes with it." –Yvette Herrell 

New Mexico Film Office and Stowe Story Labs announce 3rd Annual Training Fellowship for Emerging New Mexico Screenwriters.

Santa Fe, NM -  The New Mexico Film Office is partnering with Stowe Story Labs to launch the third annual "New Voices • New Mexico," a professional development and skills training program for emerging New Mexican screenwriters. 

Through a grant from the New Mexico Film Office, there will be no programming costs for New Mexico resident screenwriters who are chosen to participate. New Voices • New Mexico helps emerging screenwriters develop their skills, work on individual scripts, learn approaches to navigating the film and TV industry, and reach new levels of confidence in their storytelling and potential career paths. 

US 380 Roadblock

SAN ANTONIO - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Friday, March 8, 2024. 

US 380 will be blocked one time at 1 p.m. for approximately 2 hours and should be lifted at 3 p.m.  This block will be located at Gold Block (Mile Marker 3) and at Silver Block (Mile Marker 49).

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation:  www.nmroads.com  or call 511.

ELEPHANT BUTTE–The Public Education Department today announced the adoption of a rule mandating a minimum of 180 instructional days beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.

Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) released the following statement regarding the rule:

"This rule adoption comes as a surprise in light of the overwhelming pushback from school administrators, teachers, and legislators on both sides of the aisle. Not only does it circumvent the Legislature's intent regarding instruction time, but it places undue burden on our school districts, especially in rural New Mexico."

Rio Rancho, NM—State Representative Jason Harper (R-Rio Rancho) announces that he will not seek re-election this November. "With tremendous gratitude to my community, colleagues, and especially my family, my time in the New Mexico House will close this year," he said.

A six-term member of the House of Representatives, Harper is most well known as an expert on tax policy and tax law, advocating for discipline in spending. He was able to make dozens of changes to improve New Mexico's tax code, such as protecting families from massive property tax increases, and businesses from "gotcha" audits.

IPANM (Mar. 6, 2024) | PDF - The following statement has been released by Jim Winchester, Executive Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico regarding Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's line-item veto of the bipartisan Stripper Well Tax Exemption from HB252 Tax Package.

"Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham continues her assault on small-business independent producers with her veto of the Stripper Well Tax Provision, which had bipartisan backing. This carefully crafted tax treatment would have provided measurable benefits to the environment by substantially reducing emissions from small producers' low-production wells. The provision had the added benefit of increasing state revenues and protecting jobs provided by locally owned companies."

US 70 Roadblock

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Thursday, March 7, 2024.

US 70 will be blocked beginning at 8 a.m., lasting approximately 1 hour and should be lifted by 9 a.m. This block will be located at 'Red Block' (top of San Augustin Pass/Mile Marker 164) and at 'Yellow Block' (near the WSNP/Mile Marker 200).  The Las Cruces Gate, Owen Road, and Nike Avenue will also be affected.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation: www.nmroads.com  or call 511.