New Mexico
US’s most endangered rivers are in New Mexico: Report
The rivers of New Mexico are the most threatened waterways in the country, according to a recently released report by advocacy group American Rivers.
The report ranks the top 10 most endangered waterways in the United States, noting that pollution, climate change, and reduced clean water protections all contribute to their decline.
American Rivers cited the Supreme Court decision last May in Sackett v. EPA for the reason rivers across the entire state of New Mexico were ranked first on the list.
The ruling limits how the Environmental Protection Agency can enforce provisions under the Clean Water Act for streams, rivers and wetlands.
As part of the ruling, protections were scrapped for waterways that only run during the rainy season or periods of the year due to snowmelt, according to the report.
In arid states like New Mexico, rivers and streams typically flow only during certain times of the year.
The decision also stripped away protections for “isolated” wetlands, which are not physically connected to streams or surface water bodies and also exist in the state.
On top of this, the report cites a 2006 Supreme Court decision that rolled back protections to closed basins as another reason for the state’s top spot on the list.
“These rulings fly in the face of established science and ignore the value that small streams and wetlands have to their broader watersheds, communities and economies, particularly in places with dry climates like New Mexico,” the report reads.
Here are the most endangered rivers in the U.S., according to America’s Most Endangered Rivers 2024 report:
- Rivers of New Mexico
- Big Sunflower and Yazoo Rivers, Miss.
- Duck River, Tenn.
- Santa Cruz River, Ariz.
- Little Pee Dee River, S.C. and N.C.
- Farmington River, Conn., Mass.
- Trinity River, Calif.
- Kobuk River, Ark.
- Tijuana River, Calif.
- Blackwater River, W.V.
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Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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