Rio Grande Chapter

On October 23, advocacy groups and community members delivered 890 signatures and comments to the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission (OCC) in support of proposed rule changes to modernize outdated oil and gas bonding and cleanup requirements ...

By Mary Katerine Ray,
Rio Grande Chapter Wildlife Chair Despite years of cross-fostering genetically valuable lobo pups from captive litters into wild wolf dens, scientists have determined that the overall genetic diversity of the wild wolf population has declined each year for the last four years. The Mexican wolf was nearly eradicated before recovery efforts were begun. The genes of only seven wolves founded the entire Mexican wolf population alive today. It is a limited genome from which to draw, ...

Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter outings for October - December 2025. We look forward to seeing you outside! ...

By Allyson Siwik
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter mining co-chair
Gila resources information project, executive director In late August, the state engineer issued a decision denying Tulla Resources’ application to transfer water rights needed to reopen the Copper Flat Mine near Hillsboro in southern New Mexico. NM State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson also noted the effects of climate change on New Mexico’s water resources. Quoting a 2006 Office of the State Engineer report, she stated, “New Mexico’s water future will be ...

Rio Grande Chapter endorsements for 2025 municipal elections in Santa Fe and Las Cruces. There are no state-wide races ...

Since 2022, New Mexico Environment Department staff have worked to develop a science-based rule for reuse of treated and untreated produced water outside oil and gas operations. Produced water is a highly toxic waste generated by oil and gas production ...

In just a few short months, the federal government has swung an axe at the foundation of US clean air protections – and the splinters are already hitting our lungs. Six months ago, on March 12, the Environmental Protection Agency under Administrator Lee Zeldin launched what it proudly called the “biggest deregulatory action in US history.” Thirty-one safeguards were targeted, including oil and gas methane rules, all in the name of “unleashing American energy.” Translation: Polluters profit, people choke ...

It has been called a “once in a lifetime” moment and a “land of superlatives”. It’s that moment of awe when you see a perfect valley shining with high-altitude light, green abundance and outstanding beauty. This is the feeling many express when they first set eyes on the giant Valle Grande in the Valles Caldera National Preserve ...

New Mexico is rich in oil and gas. With that wealth comes a mess – literally. The state is home to more than 60,000 wells that will eventually need to be plugged to prevent methane leaks, groundwater contamination and long-term environmental degradation that place New Mexicans’ climate and health at risk ...

Rio Grande Chapter endorsements for 2025 municipal elections in Albuquerque. There are no state-wide races ...