The truth is that relatively simple repairs could extend the useful lives of many out-of-commission items, but most of us have no idea how to approach those repairs and don’t have the time to figure it out.
Fix-it clinic makes old stuff new again
PRC should choose 100% renewables and storage to replace San Juan coal
On Tuesday, several Public Regulation Commission members listened to comments from dozens of New Mexicans asking for a full transition away from dirty San Juan coal electricity to renewable energy.
Tuesday’s PRC hearing addressed what resources should replace the San Juan coal-fired electricity that PNM plans to stop using in 2022. The commission has separated that case from the one regarding whether it will allow PNM to exit the coal plant and how the exit will be financed.
Xcel Rate Case Agreement Includes a Commitment to Retire Texas Coal-Fired Power Plant
The Sierra Club joined an uncontested comprehensive agreement in a proceeding before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which will determine whether Xcel Energy can change electricity rates. The agreement includes commitments by Xcel Energy, a subsidiary of Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS) to retire the 1,050 megawatt, coal-fired Tolk power plant in Texas in 2032.
Rio Grande Chapter statement on Escalante coal plant closing
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, owner of the Escalante coal-fired power plant in McKinley County, announced that it will close the plant this year. Additionally, Tri-State said it will commit $5 million in transition funds for the community impacted by Escalante’s shuttering. Our response urges them to increase its transition funding.
Early 2020 Endorsements for Environmental Champions
The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club issued its early 2020 endorsements of incumbent legislators who are leading environmental champions. There are many legislators with excellent environmental voting records, however, this list is limited to those candidates who also were sponsors of the Sierra Club’s priority bills.
Want to lead hikes for the Rio Grande Sierra Club?
We want you! As a Sierra Club Outings leader, join others in exploring our wild lands and share your love for nature with others. You could be hiking, backpacking, kayaking, bicycling or doing service work — it’s up to you, because you ultimately design and lead your own outings.
We’re in the News: methane
Read the Santa Fe New Mexican article, dated January 11, 2020, about a report generated by Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Methane Advisory Council.
Environment Day at the Roundhouse – January 28
Join us at the Roundhouse on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 8 AM – 3 PM, for Environment Da
2019 Year in Review
It was a wild year. We had major victories – The Energy Transition Act – and notable losses.
Hundreds attend meetings on reuse of fracked water
The Sierra Club’s position is that not enough is known about fracking wastewater to determine if it is safe for outside use, even after it is treated. Along with high levels of salt, there are many hundreds of potential other chemicals, heavy metals, and even radionuclides in produced water. Before even considering treatment standards, we need much peer-reviewed research testing how the contents of the wastewater might impact crops, soil quality, or surface and groundwater.