Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
As part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above strategy to continue to expand safe and responsible domestic energy production, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas lease auction today netted more than $70 million in revenues from the sale of 69 Federal leases in the States of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Over the past 10 years, New Mexico has received $4.3 billion from energy production on BLM-managed Federal leases, all of which has been allocated directly to public education.
Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is pleased to announce that Gregory Koury, MD, who serves as GRMC Chief of Staff, was named President of the NM Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians (NMAFP). The NMAFP is the medical specialty association for Family Physicians in New Mexico and is the largest medical specialty association in the state, with over 850 members.
The Silver District school board met at the Administration building Tuesday evening, July 21. All board members were present—Arnold Torres, Chris Arvidson, Tony Egan, Mike McMillan and Frances Vasquez. The agenda included separation of employment statistics, bus schedules, an emergency exercise that will be held on August 1st, a proposed change to board policy evaluating the superintendent, and the finance committee report.
The Bayard City Council will conduct a work session at 1:30 p.m. and a Regular Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2015 at the Bayard City Hall. Items on the agenda relate to old and new business matters. A copy of the Agenda in its entirety may be obtained at the City Hall Administrative Office during regular business hours by the Friday before the scheduled meeting date. A Closed Executive Session will be held pursuant to State Statues 10-15-1(H-2) NMSA 1978.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015, by a vote of 258-166. This bill would provide more certainty to coal ash recyclers and energy producers, while also enabling states to safely manage and dispose of coal ash in a manner that preserves American jobs and promotes recycling. H. R. 1734, seeks to improve the EPA’s new coal ash rule by putting states in charge of implementing those rules, which provide for the recovery and beneficial use of coal ash under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The bill would also ensure that proper protections are in place to protect public health, the environment, and jobs. According to the Energy and Commerce Committee, H.R. 1734 would protect approximately 316,000 American jobs.
Today, Governor Susana Martinez will announce new data showing that the New Mexico True campaign vastly improves out-of-state perceptions of New Mexico as a great place to live, work, and do business. This news comes on the heels of yet another record-breaking year for tourism in 2014, with more people visiting New Mexico than ever before. Tourism continues to be an economic driver throughout New Mexico, with the industry adding 2,200 new jobs in 2014.
