Adrian Hedden

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the EPA’s proposal to rescind federal methane regulations for oil and gas operations, warning it would increase pollution and threaten public health. The rollback would end or weaken rules on flaring, leak detection, super emitters and equipment emissions, while New Mexico officials and advocates pledged to maintain and strengthen state protections.

Carlsbad’s annual Mayor’s Energy Summit will examine how Permian Basin oil and gas production affects the national energy industry and local economy. Scheduled for Oct. 22, the event features Bureau of Land Management, industry and business leaders, a workforce award, technology and economic-impact presentations, and former NFL player Mark Ingram II as keynote lunch speaker.

El Rito Media’s five New Mexico newspapers won 43 awards at the New Mexico Press Association’s annual banquet in Albuquerque. The Ruidoso News led with 18 honors, followed by the Carlsbad Current-Argus with 10, Rio Grande Sun with seven and Alamogordo News with four. Artesia Daily Press also earned top honors, underscoring the company’s strength in local and digital journalism.

The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Carlsbad resource management plan would open 97% of federal land in Eddy and Lea counties to oil and gas production, reducing restrictions on surface development. Supporters cite energy security and industry certainty, while environmental groups warn of increased drilling, water use, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution across the Permian Basin.

Sen. Martin Heinrich is calling for an independent investigation after a hoist at New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant fell 1,600 feet during a routine test. No one was injured, but the incident renewed concerns about WIPP’s aging hoist infrastructure. Heinrich urged federal officials to involve workers, address safety concerns and determine the root cause.

Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez campaigned across conservative southeastern New Mexico seeking a third term in Congress, emphasizing stronger safety oversight at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and more balanced management of public lands beyond oil and gas. He criticized Republican challenger Greg Cunningham as a Trump loyalist, while Cunningham accused Vasquez of undermining public safety and police support.

The U.S. Department of Energy and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors will host a virtual community forum on Nov. 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The public can register via the story’s QR code, ask questions and raise concerns about WIPP’s underground disposal of transuranic nuclear waste.

Los Alamos National Laboratory sent 82 shipments of legacy transuranic waste to New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in fiscal 2026, a 91% increase over the previous year. The shipments totaled 370 cubic meters. The increase comes as New Mexico seeks permit changes requiring WIPP to prioritize more in-state waste, while critics question continued shipments from other states.

Jason Sanchez won a $100,000 settlement from Eddy County after alleging officials suppressed comments criticizing the county sheriff’s office, violating his First Amendment rights. The settlement requires the comments to be read at an October commission meeting, though county officials denied wrongdoing and said the insurer settled to avoid escalating legal costs.

Carlsbad Medical Center will begin construction in November on a $19 million freestanding emergency room in south Carlsbad. The 24/7 facility will offer six to eight treatment rooms, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound and a helipad, improving access for residents of growing areas including Carlston Ranch. The hospital is also renovating its main campus.

Shay Louis Perez, accused of fatally shooting Nicholas Lucero during a fight at “The Chutes” near Carlsbad, is appealing his detention without bail. Perez argues the court failed to properly consider self-defense and provocation, while prosecutors cite his criminal history and contend no release conditions could protect the community. He faces second-degree murder charges.

Early voting for New Mexico’s Nov. 3 General Election begins Oct. 6 in Eddy County. Residents can vote at the Carlsbad Clerk’s Office or Artesia Sub Office, with expanded hours Oct. 17–31. Absentee ballots may be requested through Oct. 20. The guide also lists Election Day polling locations and local, statewide and federal candidates.