Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Outdoor Program at WNMU has recently initiated a bike rental program, hoping to increase outdoor recreational opportunities. WNMU partnered with Gila Hike & Bike to purchase 10 mountain bikes in a variety of sizes. The bikes are housed at The Outpost, a campus rental office for students and community members. Additional rental equipment at the Outpost includes backpacks, climbing shoes, tents, and other outdoor gear. Rental equipment can be viewed at www.wnmuoutdoors.org.
A new water-supply forecast signals that New Mexico could face continued trouble. According to the Climate Prediction Center, the forecast indicates that recent warm temperatures and relatively little snowfall means the state likely faces below-average runoff from snowpack for the fifth straight year. The water-supply forecast is created from snow measurements at certain sites, climate data, weather forecasts, and more.
Earlier this month, US Senator Tom Udall introduced legislation that would make sure the Environmental Protection Agency can finally protect our children from dangerous chemicals. The legislation would require safety reviews for all chemicals in active commerce; ensure the EPA takes into consideration only the impact on health and the environment when determining whether to allow a chemical to be sold or manufactured; require chemical companies to contribute to the cost of regulations; and explicitly require that the EPA base its decisions on how chemicals impact the most vulnerable among us – children, pregnant women, the elderly, and chemical workers.
On the Governor’s Desk:
The Governor signed the so-called “Dirt Road Bill.” When the bill takes effect January 1, 2016, the default speed on county roads that do not have a speed limit posted would be 55 miles per hour. Motorists on many of the dirt roads will no longer be able to legally drive the State’s maximum speed limit of 75 miles per hour.
Martinez signed a series of game and fish-related bills that will improve outdoor recreation and allow aquaponic farming of tilapia. House Hill 202 allows certain minor game and fish violations to be disposed of by agreeing to pay a penalty without having to appear in court. Senate Bill 231 allows the New Mexico Game Commission to recruit and train volunteers to assist with outdoor activities, such as teaching course on fishing, shooting bows and firearm safety. House Bill 201 allows aquaponic farming of tilapia, an increasingly popular method for raising fish and vegetables in a sustainable manner while conserving thousands of gallons of water.
