New Mexico

Controversial nuclear waste storage proposal faces strong opposition in New Mexico

Published

1 year ago

July 2, 2024

Controversial nuclear waste storage proposal faces strong opposition in New Mexico

WEST TEXAS, Texas (KOSA) – A controversial nuclear waste storage proposal is facing significant opposition in the Permian Basin, particularly in New Mexico.

Background and Legal Battle:

The federal government is prohibited by law from engaging in temporary storage of nuclear waste without a permanent disposal plan. However, private companies like Holtec International have found a loophole that allows them to take on this responsibility. Holtec and the NRC have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate their storage license despite regional opposition.

Holtec’s Chief Communications Officer stated:

“The Fifth Circuit’s ruling that the NRC was not authorized to license and regulate nuclear fuel storage is like saying OSHA is unqualified for worker safety, the FAA for aviation safety, and the EPA for environmental safety. We urge the Supreme Court to overturn the Fifth Circuit’s legally unsound position.”

Local Opposition:

This move has sparked outrage and concern among residents and stakeholders in the Permian Basin, who argue that their voices and way of life are being ignored. Monica Perales, counsel for the Permian Basin Coalition, said, “This federal agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is acting like a rogue agency. They’re interpreting the law and deciding it’s within their power to issue a license to allow private companies to consolidate all of America’s spent nuclear fuel and store it in the Permian Basin.”

Environmental and Health Risks:

The Permian Basin Coalition, made up of ranchers, oil and gas operators, and local landowners, has taken their fight to the Supreme Court in hopes of stopping Holtec’s plan. They argue that allowing private companies to store nuclear waste indefinitely without a permanent disposal solution is illegal and poses significant environmental and health risks.

The coalition has raised over 100 contentions against the site, citing seismic risks, constant oil and gas activity in the region, corrosive dust and salt that can lead to corrosion at cracks in the stainless steel canisters, and the potential for dangerous releases of radioactive material. Monica Perales noted, “As these canisters travel on the rail line across the country, all destined for the Permian Basin, they are going ‘bumpity bump’ and developing cracks. Cracks that can’t be fixed, cracks that will corrode, and cracks that will eventually lead to release. Maybe not in my lifetime, maybe not in my son’s lifetime, but eventually, because this remains deadly for hundreds of thousands of years.”

The NRC has acknowledged that it has not solved the problem of chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in the canisters but has still pushed forward with the licensing process. Holtec and the NRC argue that the storage is temporary, but opponents point out that there is no defined end date for the storage and no permanent disposal site available.

Future Implications:

The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for nuclear waste storage policies and the safety of communities across the country. CBS7 will continue to follow this story closely and bring you updates as they become available.

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New Mexico

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions continue across New Mexico

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions continue across New Mexico

Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Record high temperatures were present across large parts of New Mexico today, along with breezy to gusty winds. A cold front has started to move into eastern New Mexico tonight. This will bring breezy winds and slightly cooler temperatures behind it for Sunday. A few record high temperatures are still possible across the western half of the state, though. Temperatures return to the warming trend again early next week, with more record high temperatures likelyon Monday and Tuesday.

A storm system will start to move into western New Mexico by Christmas Eve. It is expected to bring a couple of spotty showers and mountain snow into southwest Colorado. More spotty showers will move into western and northern New Mexico on Christmas Day. Temperatures however are going to stay unseasonably warm across the entire state, with record high temperatures possible on Christmas Day for much of the state.

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New Mexico

New Mexico Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Day results for Dec. 19, 2025

Published

14 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 19, 2025, results for each game:

Mega Millions

01-11-27-39-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Day: 6-4-5

Evening: 8-6-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 2-8-1-1

Day: 0-9-1-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

03-20-25-31-35

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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New Mexico

Report reveals details about final hours of elderly couple found dead in New Mexico

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Report reveals details about final hours of elderly couple found dead in New Mexico

QUAY COUNTY, NM (KVII) — ABC 7 News has obtained a copy of the incident report from the Quay County Sheriff’s Office detailing the final movements of the Lightfoots before their deaths.

According to the report, Charles “Gary” Lightfoot, 82, and Linda Eppers Lightfoot, 81, left the Texas Panhandle around 3 p.m. on November 27, heading for their home in Lubbock. They never arrived.

At 6:20 p.m., a license plate reader captured their Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on I-40 in Amarillo.

About 35 minutes later, the vehicle was recorded again in Groom, Texas.

The next sighting came at 8:36 p.m. Mountain Time, when the Camry was seen westbound on I-40 near San Jon, New Mexico.

At 9:05 p.m., the Lightfoots made contact with the Santa Rosa Police Department.

The couple was officially reported missing on November 28, but investigators say by then it may have already been too late.

A license plate reader detected the Camry again at 1:02 a.m., still in Santa Rosa.

Between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mountain Time, the vehicle’s cellular modem pinged off a tower west of Tucumcari.

A Silver Alert was issued on November 30.

Body-camera video shows Quay County deputies searching the area, including stopping at a convenience store during the investigation.

Body cam footage (Courtesy: KOAT)

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on December 2, the Sheriff’s Office met with a man whose family owns a cattle ranch about nine miles west of the cell tower. An employee on the ranch discovered the Lightfoots’ Camry.

Photos from the scene show the car had driven off a three-foot embankment, with the trunk open.

The Lightfoots’ bodies were found behind the vehicle.

Investigators reported no signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected.

During that time period, overnight temperatures ranged from 20 to 38 degrees.

The Sheriff’s Office noted the front driver-side tire was shredded, indicating the vehicle had likely been driven while flat. The battery was drained, and the gear shift was still in drive.

Inside the car, deputies found two bank envelopes containing $311, along with a fully loaded Smith & Wesson revolver in the center console.

The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities say there is no evidence of criminal activity.

Body cam footage (Courtesy: KOAT)

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