This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

New Mexico Celebrates Earth Day with New Federal Funds 

Over $1.8 million delivered for Urban & Community Forestry programs  

Santa Fe, NM – This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division is pleased to announce a two-part investment in urban and community forestry programs throughout the state.  

“Earth Day is the ideal time to announce these investments in building sustainable communities,” said Alyssa O’Brien, Urban & Community Forester. “Trees in urban areas benefit a community in ways both seen and unseen. They provide shade and cooling, filtration for air and water, as well as necessary help with alleviating storm runoff. But they also provide clean, visually pleasing spaces for recreation and community gatherings; they can even help reduce the effects of crime.”  

$1,875,000 in federal funding, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, will help invigorate urban tree canopy access and improve the health and resilience of urban forest plantings across New Mexico. 

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Ahead of Earth Day, EMNRD launches Climate Policy Bureau

New unit will coordinate efforts toward building a sustainable future for all New Mexicans

SANTA FE, NM – Just ahead of Earth Day, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announces the launch of its new Climate Policy Bureau. 

This new bureau is a part of ENMRD’s Energy Conservation Management Division (ECMD).
It will play an integral role in building New Mexico’s capacity to adapt to climate change by supporting interagency efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, grow the state’s green economy and develop and implement a statewide Climate Action Plan.

“Adding a Climate Policy Bureau formalizes and elevates our agency’s laser focus on addressing climate change in New Mexico,” said EMNRD Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “This group of experts will focus on strategies to reduce emissions and increase resilience across the state, while also supporting the governor’s interagency Climate Change Task Force,” said EMRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst.

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 State completes in-person wellness checks for all 6,815 disabled clients  

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports that it has completed its health and safety wellness checks for all 6,815 clients receiving services from the states’ Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver programs.  

“This was a huge and necessary undertaking to visit in-person all 6,815 Wavier clients in a short period of time,” said Secretary Patrick Allen. “I’m very grateful for the help several agencies and many staff provided to get these visits done.” 

The 6,815 in-person wellness visits were completed Wednesday, April 19, 2023. These visits have identified a total of 111 sites with possible concerns. Every one of these incidents is being fully investigated.  

Of those 111 sites: 

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“Invest in Our Planet” Earth Day Celebration Dedicates New Water Treatment System and Breaks Ground for a New Water Well in Belen, NM

The two projects improve water safety and availability

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 21, 2023 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2023, USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez led the celebration in New Mexico to dedicate a new water treatment facility and break ground for a new water well in Belen, New Mexico.

During the celebration Dominguez said, “Investments made by Rural Development in Belen will guarantee better health and economic opportunities for this community now and into the future.”

Dominguez added, “These two projects are good examples how Rural development provides access to safe water in rural New Mexico and across America.”

The celebration in Belen coincided with other Earth Day events sponsored by USDA Rural Development across the nation.

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NMSU ROTC 121st Pass-in-Review at Pride Field April 27

The New Mexico State University U.S. Air Force and Army ROTC will present the traditional public display of their cadets during a formal ceremony at Pride Field.

The 121st annual Presidential Pass-in-Review ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Aggie Pride Field on the NMSU Horseshoe. The public is invited to attend.

The Pass-in-Review ceremony is based off of the active-duty military’s inspection processes. It is a formal display of the strength and unity of a detachment as well as promoting teamwork and pride within an organization.

“The Reserve Officer Training Program has a storied history at NMSU dating back to 1902,” said Lt. Col. Adam Buchanan, NMSU’s Army ROTC commander. “In this our 121st year, it is our honor and privilege to add to that legacy by continuing traditions such as the Pass-In-Review. The Bataan Battalion takes pride in our community ties to the heroes who fought and sacrificed in the Philippines during World War II. This event is a great way to share that pride and continue those ties to our NMSU community and the city of Las Cruces.”

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Free Star Party Saturday, April 29

What: The Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League is hosting a Free Star Party! A great opportunity to encourage that young or old stargazer!

When: Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Where: In the large parking lot above the Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum.

Why: Because it’s fun to star gaze! Bring yourself and your family, we will bring the telescopes! If you have an interest in astronomy or are a telescope owner, consider joining the museum’s Astronomy League. New members are always welcome, membership forms will be available at the star party. League membership is free.

About the New Mexico Museum of Space History: www.nmspacemuseum.org 

USDA Still Accepting 2022 Census of Agriculture Forms from Mountain Region Producers

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – April 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming farmers and ranchers that the window is closing on the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. NASS is encouraging U.S. producers who have not returned their completed ag census questionnaires to do so as soon as possible to avoid additional mail, phone, email, text, and in-person follow-up, which is currently underway. 

“Thank you to the farmers and ranchers that have completed and returned their Census of Agriculture. The important data that is collected in the Ag Census provides a picture of the current state of agriculture and rural America and is used to make decisions that impact our communities and businesses,” said Rodger Ott, Director, Mountain Regional Field Office. “By responding, Mountain Region ag producers make sure the best data is available for better decisions.” 

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USDA Makes Grants Available for Organizations to Help People in Rural New Mexico to Repair Homes Damaged by Forest Fires in 2022 

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development New Mexico State Director Patricia Dominguez today announced the availability of grants for organizations to help people repair homes they own or rent that were damaged by forest fires in calendar year 2022. The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas.  

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA stand ready to deploy every resource at our disposal to help families and individuals rebuild their lives and their communities,” Dominguez said. “The assistance I'm announcing today will help make sure people in rural areas across this state who have been impacted by natural disasters in calendar year 2022 have the the resources they need to rebuild their lives and their homes. This funding is critical because we know that rural America is home to millions of people who make up America’s spirit and character.”

The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Housing Preservation Grants program. 

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