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About the Central New Mexico Group

The Central New Mexico Group of the Rio Grande Chapter covers the middle part of the state. Our volunteer leaders are active in many areas and have done a superb job of transitioning to online advocacy during the pandemic.

We advocate for better policies, sound data, and strong regulations that protect the earth’s vital resources, natural beauty, wild creatures, and scenic landscapes. Our Grassroot Lobbyists made the environmental voice heard loud and clear at the Roundhouse – and on a daily basis to our local elected and government officials.

Our Outings have returned!  We follow covid-safe practices and offer a wide range of experiences.  And we are always looking for leaders!  Terry Owen, teowen@comcast.net.

Our Political Committee has been extremely active the last few years!  We volunteer for pro-environment candidates that represent our area. We believe that strong environmental leaders make the best elected officials. One example is our project related to the Sandoval County Oil & Gas Ordinance. Another fighting for a plastic bag ban – and fighting to keep it in place!

Pre-covid, every Wednesday afternoon we had Volunteer Time, from 1:00-4:00. Much of this work has been moved online – please contact us to get involved.

Our office location is 2215 Lead Ave SE, Albuquerque 87106. The office is closed at this time. The phone number is (505) 243-7767; messages will be screened and answered promptly.

Our community meetings are currently on hold.  We are filling this need with stepped up communications.  Sign up for news here.  Join us for one of our Executive Committee meetings – we would love to see you! Contact the Chair, DianeAbqNM@gmail.com for access.

Central New Mexico Executive Committee

The Central Group ExComm meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm via web conference.  Contact the Chair for access - all are invited.

Chair: Diane Reese, DianeAbqNM@gmail.com, (505) 507-6416
Vice Chair & Treasurer: David Ther, grelbik@gmail.com
Secretary: Jessica O'Callahan, jessicaeoc@gmail.com

Patrick Burton, patrickburton9@icloud.com (Transportation)
David Bouquin, dbouquin5@gmail.com
Laurie Zunner, lmzunne@gmail.com (Zero Waste)
Terry Owen, teowen@comcast.net (Outings)
Ray Shortridge, rsshortridge@gmail.com

There is one open position!  Contact Chair for information!

Committees & working groups

Bosque Action Team: sign up for news here
Outings: listed on a separate page
Zero Waste Committee: contact Carol Chamberland, pictografix@comcast.net to join this group

Contact information

Outings: Terrence Owen, teowen@comcast.net
Spanish-language OutingsMilitary Outings: Terrence Owen, teowen@comcast.net
Bosquitos Outings: open

Political Chair: Richard Barish, richardbarish@gmail.com

Groundwater Issues: Mike Neas, mikneas@aol.com
Bosque Action Team: Richard Barish, richardbarish@gmail.com
Wildlife: open
Sandoval County Oil & Gas: Miya King-Flaherty, miya.king-flaherty@sierraclub.org
Zero Waste: Laurie Zunner, lmzunne@gmail.com
Volunteer Coordinator: Patty Duncan, pgnm@comcast.com
UNM Sierra Student Coalition: Vacant
Meetup page: Terrence Owen, teowen@comcast.net

Bosque Light Photo by John Fowler thought WikiMedia Commons

Central New Mexico news

Niagara Bottling Request Tabled Indefinitely

Niagara Bottling Request Tabled Indefinitely
The Los Lunas Village Council voted to “table indefinitely” the Niagara Bottling corporation's request to increase their water draw from the Albuquerque Basin aquifer from 285 acre-feet/year (92+ million gallons/yr) to 700 acre-feet/year (228+ million gallons/yr). At a time when New ... Read More

Valencia County NROZ ordinance – response

Valencia County NROZ ordinance - response
On July 14th, the Valencia County Commission approved the Natural Resources Overlay Zone ordinance (NROZ) with amendments – despite hearing nearly 7 hours of public testimony overwhelmingly opposed to the ordinance, including presentations from several expert witnesses ... Read More

Cycling, one pedal at a time

Cycling, one pedal at a time
By Patrick Burton, Central NM Transportation chair As gas prices continue to rise, the cost savings of biking become more apparent. In fact, some e-bikes can be purchased for the equivalent of about five trips to the gas station to fill up ... Read More

Albuquerque extends free bus fares

Albuquerque extends free bus fares
The Albuquerque City Council voted 7-2 to keep city public transit free through June 2023. Zero Fares has a profound positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people in Albuquerque ... Read More