New Mexico

Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act for a thriving New Mexico

Published

10 months ago

December 21, 2024

Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act for a thriving New Mexico

Sen. Mimi Stewart
| New Mexico Senate Pro Tempore

New Mexico stands at a pivotal moment with a historic opportunity to secure a sustainable future that protects our air, land, water, and communities for generations. Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s already devastating our way of life, endangering lives, homes, and livelihoods. We can no longer afford a “wait and see” approach.

This past summer, the village of Ruidoso faced a nightmare. Residents evacuated as the Southfork Fire encroached, transforming a short drive into hours of terror. Though firefighters’ heroic efforts spared the town, not all communities have been so lucky. In 2022, the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires destroyed over 630 homes, and caused more than $4 billion in damage. Recently, Roswell saw a quarter of its annual rainfall in just a few hours, causing severe flooding, breaking a 123-year record, and claiming two lives. These events are not isolated. In the past two years, one in three New Mexico counties has experienced devastating fire and flood damage, highlighting the growing threat of climate change.

New Mexico has long been committed to protecting our natural resources. We’ve led the nation with aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets through executive orders, and the 2019 Energy Transition Act set ambitious clean electricity goals. However, we’re falling short, and without a comprehensive, long-term plan, we risk losing the New Mexican way of life we cherish. Our progress has slowed at a time when urgency is critical. To protect communities like Ruidoso, Mora, and Roswell from climate impacts, we must act now. We need a comprehensive framework to guide us toward a resilient, clean future.

That’s why, in the next legislative session, I’m sponsoring three key bills: the Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefit Fund, and the New Mexico Innovation in Government Act. These bills will help create a New Mexico where families don’t have to flee from wildfires, where livelihoods are not lost to drought, and where we develop the workforce and infrastructure needed to address these challenges.

The Clear Horizons Act will establish a clear roadmap for the future, providing the regulatory certainty that businesses, communities, and families need to invest in a sustainable, clean future. Many New Mexico companies have already voluntarily pledged to meet emissions reduction targets similar to those outlined in the bill. By setting achievable greenhouse gas reduction targets and regularly evaluating progress, we can stay on track while adapting to emerging challenges.

The Community Benefit Fund, with immediate funding from state budget surpluses, will invest in local, community-driven projects that reduce emissions, create jobs, and build resilience. Priority will be given to overburdened communities most affected by climate change, like Ruidoso and Mora. This fund will support efforts such as rebuilding after fires, safeguarding water supplies, and transitioning to renewable energy, ensuring that local solutions drive New Mexico’s sustainable future.

The New Mexico Innovation in Government Act will build the state’s capacity to lead the clean energy transition. By investing in the resources, talent, and expertise within state agencies, we can ensure efficient implementation of clean energy projects. This will empower public servants to lead New Mexico toward a cleaner, more resilient future.

The time to act is now. If we fail to act, more communities will face devastation. But if we rise to the occasion, New Mexico can lead the way to a brighter, more resilient future for all. Let’s pass the Clear Horizons Act and ensure a sustainable future for New Mexico.

Source link

Click to comment

New Mexico

New Mexico state agencies see spike in civil rights liability insurance rates as public fund dwindles

Published

9 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Press Room

State

Zip Code

Country

Source link

New Mexico

Sun Tours is hosting a Sail Away Showcase Cruise Event to help plan your next trip

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Sun Tours is hosting a Sail Away Showcase Cruise Event to help plan your next trip

Since 1978, Sun Tours has been helping people travel the world worry-free. Their new catalog is now available, featuring all-new North American and Canadian tours, Southwest and Regional Tours, Bucket-list international journeys like Switzerland’s Alpine Wonders, a Mediterranean Solar Eclipse Cruise, and a Kenya & Tanzania Adventure.

Sun Tours is hosting a Sail Away Showcase Cruise Event on Saturday, October 25, at the Albuquerque Museum. Head over to learn more about their incredible cruise offerings and to meet cruise line partners who will be the experts in each cruise to meet you and answer your questions. Enjoy refreshments, presentations, special offers, giveaways, and more! Plus, meet other travelers who might be on your next cruise!

To learn more about Sun Tours and their Sail Away Showcase Cruise Event, click here.

Sponsored content disclaimer: The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors and guests and not Nexstar Media Group, inc.

Source link

New Mexico

New Mexico’s Epic Whitewater Run Is A Thrill-Seekers Dream Hidden Between Stunning Southwest Cliffs – Islands

Published

3 days ago

October 21, 2025

Press Room

New Mexico’s Epic Whitewater Run Is A Thrill-Seekers Dream Hidden Between Stunning Southwest Cliffs – Islands

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment thanks to its otherworldly desert landscape, star-filled night sky, and the oldest capital city in the United States, filled with a rich history and culture. But some know it as a land of excitement, since it’s a premier whitewater rafting destination. Just 25 minutes outside of Taos, thrill-seekers will find the Taos Box, an epic whitewater run where foaming rapids, dramatic drops, and massive boulders are bordered by stunning cliffs. It’s these 800-foot basalt cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge that give this area its name, as they box the river in.

The Taos Box refers to two separate reaches: the 15-mile Lower Box has Class IV rapids, while the Upper Box is a 6-mile Class V+ stretch that’s for experts only. With rapids like the “Boat Reamer” and “Screaming Left-Hand Turn” in the Lower Box, it’s not hard to imagine what you’re in for: frothy water and wild rapids course through the canyon and under the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a steel behemoth that’s the fifth-tallest bridge in the country, hanging 650 feet above the water’s surface.

The last four miles of the Lower Box are especially thrilling … or harrowing, depending on who you ask. Cisco Guevara, owner of Los Rios River Runners, describes them (via High on Adventure): “The last four miles are just screaming huge big stuff.” There’s a single 13-foot drop and the infamous rock garden that still gives him butterflies. These whitewater runs aren’t for the faint of heart, but rather for those seeking an adventure in pristine wilderness, as the canyon doesn’t have a railroad or road next to it, and you may see wildlife like bighorn sheep, beavers, and eagles soaring above.

What to know when rafting the Taos Box

Getting to the Taos Box is convenient, since Taos is only a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe and 2.5 hours from Albuquerque, both of which have airports. Taos also has a small airport, which services direct flights from several regional locations. Taos may be famous for its unbelievable 1,000-year-old world heritage site and Taos Ski Valley, its winter sports destination, but its whitewater rapids are close behind, as seen by the number of rafting companies in the town. It can be hard to choose, but some favorites are Los Rios River Runners and New Mexico River Adventures, both of which currently have a 4.9 rating on Yelp.

The rafting season is from spring to fall, typically from March to October, depending on weather conditions and water levels. The Rio Grande is not only one of the longest rivers in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most endangered due to climate change, pollution, and agricultural overuse, so its water levels can change greatly throughout the year. It’s possible to check them online or speak to the company you’re booking with to determine the best time for your trip.

The Upper Box is only suitable for expert kayakers and rafters who can navigate Class IV and V rapids, as well as self-rescue. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, it’s highly recommended that you tackle the Lower Box with an expert or someone who’s run it before. The Box isn’t the only option near Taos either; the Racecourse is a stretch just south of the town that has Class III rapids, which are family-friendly but still exciting and challenging enough to offer an exciting adventure for everyone.

Source link