Winter 2025 Outings

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

Water rights transfer for Copper Flat Mine reopening denied by State Engineer

Water rights transfer for Copper Flat Mine reopening denied by State Engineer
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 ...
/ Latest News, Water

2025 Municipal Elections – Santa Fe & Las Cruces

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

Backroom Deal Ignores Public Safety: Oil and Gas Proposes Overturning Produced Water Prohibition

Backroom Deal Ignores Public Safety: Oil and Gas Proposes Overturning Produced Water Prohibition
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 ...
/ Latest News, Water

Deregulation: The Climate Version of Clear-Cutting

Deregulation: The Climate Version of Clear-Cutting
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 ...
/ Climate Change, Latest News

Protecting the Valles Caldera National Preserve

Protecting the Valles Caldera National Preserve
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 ...
/ Land, Latest News

Big Energy Should Pay For Its Own Messes

Big Energy Should Pay For Its Own Messes
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 ...
/ Climate Change, Latest News

2025 Municipal Elections – Albuquerque

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

Holtec Abandons Proposal to Store the Nation’s High Level Nuclear Waste in New Mexico

Holtec Abandons Proposal to Store the Nation's High Level Nuclear Waste in New Mexico
Holtec has announced that it would no longer pursue its proposal to store the nation's high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico ...
/ Latest News, Press Release

Water Rights Transfer for Copper Flat Mine Reopening Denied by State Engineer

Water Rights Transfer for Copper Flat Mine Reopening Denied by State Engineer
The State Engineer issued her decision on August 20 denying Tulla Resources’ application to transfer water rights needed to reopen the Copper Flat Mine near Hillsboro in southern New Mexico. The State Engineer noted the effects of climate change on New Mexico’s water resources.  ...
/ Latest News, Press Release, Water