NEWS - Press Releases
This is the archive of the latest press releases from the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. Feel free to redistribute. We have an RSS feed for keeping up to date on NMELC's work. Sign up by clicking the RSS FEED button at the bottom of our navigation menu on the left.
Final Arguments Presented on New Industrial Dairy Regulations
SANTA FE, N.M. — Speaking for the thousands of New Mexicans they represent, on Monday, the Citizens Coalition of natural resource, consumer protection advocacy and public health advocacy groups filed final summary of reasons why New Mexico’s Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) should adopt stringent regulations for industrial dairy operations.
Learn more about the New Mexico dairy discharge regulations case.
NMELC Resumes Role Representing Communities Most Threatened by Climate Change
SANTA FE, N.M.— The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) has spent over 20 years assisting low-income communities and communities of color protect their environmental health, so when New Energy Economy approached the group with a proposal to cap greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico, the NMELC jumped at the chance to address the growing threat that climate change and global warming has on many residents of the state. Today, the NMELC resumes its role presenting technical testimony in front of the Environmental Improvement Board during the week long hearing on the proposed emission cap.
“These communities we represent are likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change,” says Douglas Meiklejohn, NMELC Executive Director. “They generally have fewer resources with which to address impacts of climate change such as water shortages, extreme weather events, and increased rates of disease. In addition, residents of those communities generally are less able to adapt to climate change because of their limited resources and because in some instances (such as Native Americans) they are not able to avoid the effects of climate change by moving.”
Enviro Group Files Rebuttal Technical Testimony in GHG Caps Case
SANTA FE, N.M.— On Friday, August 6th, in response to industry opposition, the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) filed hundreds of pages of documentation and testimony with the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, which will hear New Energy Economy’s regulatory proposal to cap greenhouse gases emitted by the oil and gas industry and electric utilities. New Energy Economy, a Santa Fe based non-profit, is NMELC’s client and the “Petitioner” in this contentious proceeding.
Learn more about the case and get filed documents.
Suit Filed to Stop Uranium Exploration at Pandora Mine in La Sal, Utah
Moab, Utah — Uranium Watch, Center for Water Advocacy, and Living Rivers, conservation groups located in Moab, Utah, yesterday filed suit in federal district court in Salt Lake City to halt uranium exploration and the construction of radon vent holes on U.S. Forest Service land in the Manti-La Sal National Forest in La Sal, Utah.
The complaint filed with the United States District Court for the District of Utah challenges a decision by the Moab/Monticello Ranger District to permit the drilling of 16 exploration drill holes and 2 radon vent holes as part of the expansion of the Pandora Uranium Mine. The Pandora Mine is owned by Denison Mines (USA) Corporation (Denison). Uranium ore from the mine is transported to Denison’s uranium mill on White Mesa, a few miles south of Blanding in San Juan County.
Get PDF of Press Release.
Get filed Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief.
NM Supreme Court Overrules District Judge, EIB Will Continue Greenhouse Gas Proceedings
SANTA FE, N.M.— The New Mexico Supreme Court overruled a district judge’s decision Monday that stopped the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) from considering a regulatory proposal to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The Court ordered Judge William G. W. Shoobridge of Lovington, NM, to vacate his April decision that the EIB had no authority to consider the petition, to dissolve the preliminary injunction that halted the EIB proceedings, and to dismiss the case.
“This is a tremendous and deserved victory for democracy and the administration of justice in New Mexico,” stated Bruce Frederick, staff attorney of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, representing New Energy Economy, a Santa Fe non-profit. “The Court’s ruling allows EIB to fully consider the scientific evidence and to learn about all issues surrounding climate change. It also ensures the public will have a seat at the table.” Frederick argued before the Supreme Court, in a packed courtroom, that a Lovington District Court Judge had no jurisdiction or cause to stop EIB’s pending administrative proceeding. Eric Miller of the Attorney General’s Office represented the EIB and also argued that Judge Shoobridge’s decision should be overruled.
PRESS RELEASE: 10th Circuit Court Refuses to Review NRC Decision
SANTA FE, N.M. – In a four sentence order yesterday, the US 10th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to review a panel decision in community members’ appeal of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to grant Hydro Resources, Inc. a license to mine uranium in Crownpoint and Church Rock.
Eastern Navajo Dine against Uranium Mining (ENDAUM), Southwest Research and Information Center (SRIC), and the NMELC, have been fighting the NRC and Hydro Resources, for the past fifteen years, demanding that they keep out of Navajo communities in New Mexico.
Get PDF version of Press Release.
Learn more about the Hydro Resources, Inc. uranium mines case.
PRESS RELEASE: Groups Challenge Big Industry’s “Home Court” Decision in Supreme Court
SANTA FE, N.M.— The New Mexico Environmental Law Center filed a Petition with the New Mexico Supreme Court on Friday, asking the Court to order a Lea County judge to reverse his decision in a greenhouse gas case. In April, Judge William G. W. Shoobridge of Lovington, NM, stopped a greenhouse gas emissions rulemaking by the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB). If allowed to stand, Judge Shoobridge’s rulings would not only end our climate change case, but would cripple administrative agencies in their ability to carry out their appointed responsibilities.
Get PDF version of Press Release
Learn more about the New Mexico Greenhouse Gas Emission Caps case.
Local Farming Community Vows to Watch Mining Exploration Like a Hawk
SANTA FE, N.M – On April 26th, the NM Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) granted BE Resources Inc., a permit to drill exploration holes on the Sullivan Ranch–just upstream from a community of organic farmers, native peoples and rural families. The Monticello Community Ditch Association has been trying to stop the proposed beryllium project since 2000 and, although disappointed with the MMD’s decision, are in no way deterred in their opposition.
“Issuing this permit does not end the matter for the Monticello Community Ditch Association, concerned citizens from Monticello and downstream communities,” stated Joshua Cravens, Secretary of the Association. “We will all still be here, and our stance as stewards who protect this land and water will not end. After all, this canyon is our lifeblood.”
Get PDF version of Press Release.
Dissenting Judge Says Court Decision Puts Health of Navajo People at Risk
SANTA FE, N.M. – The 10th Federal Circuit Appeals Court in Denver, CO returned with their decision today upholding the NRC license allowing HRI to mine for uranium in Crownpoint’s municipal water supply. Get Press Release in PDF format.
Documents: Federal 10th Circuit Appeals Court Opinion. Judge Carlos F. Lucero’s dissent.
Learn more about the Hydro Resources, Inc. uranium mines case
Bluestone Named NM Environmental Law Center Board President
SANTA FE, NM - The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC), a nonprofit, public interest, environmental law firm, announces the appointment of Stuart Bluestone as their new Board of Directors president, effective January 1, 2010. Bluestone is the Senior Counsel to the Attorney General of New Mexico and brings more than 35 years of legal experience, primarily in consumer protection and public interest law to this well respected organization. The position of president is for a one-year term. Bluestone replaces outgoing president Dale Pontius.
Get Press Release in PDF Format
MOTHER EARTH, FATHER SKY Benefit Lecture Series Begins Tonight!
SANTA FE, NM — The 7th annual lecture series, presented by Southwest Seminars, will offer unique perspectives on the environment of the American West every week at 6 pm at the Hotel Santa Fe. Mother Earth, Father Sky is offered as a benefit event for the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) and will have something for everyone: from a geologist’s look at the ancient landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, to an ethnobotonist’s answer to the age old question “What’s for dinner?”—300 years ago in Colonial New Mexico.
Go to Events Page for full line up
Environmental Group Appeals OCC’s Roll Back of Pit Rule to Save Industry Money
SANTA FE, N.M.—An environmental group has appealed the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission’s (OCC) decision to weaken an important environmental standard that protects New Mexico’s ground water from pollution by oil and gas operations.
Learn more about the Pit Rule Roll Back case
Download copy of filed Statement of Appellate Issues
Van Buren Joins Local Environmental Nonprofit Board of Directors
SANTA FE, N.M - The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC), a nonprofit, public interest environmental law firm, announces the appointment of long-time writer, artist, teacher and activist Alice van Buren to the Board of Directors. Van Buren, a former National Public Radio commentator, magazine editor, television researcher and writer, brings her passion for protecting the environment to this well respected organization.
Remembering the 30th Anniversary of the Largest Radioactive Spill in US History
“The largest release of radioactive waste occurred right down the road from me. To this day, this dangerous contamination has not been adequately addressed.” Larry J. King, Churchrock resident, before the U.S. House of Representatives, October 23, 2007
CHURCH ROCK, NM - The Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment (MASE) - a coalition of community groups affected by uranium mining and committed to renewable energy development - announces the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Church Rock Uranium Tailings Spill on July 16, 2009.
New Mexico Environmental Law Center Launches New Website
SANTA FE, NM – In order to offer the public better access to information about the environmental health of their communities, the New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) is excited to announce the launch of their new website just in time for Earth Day. The new website will offer regular updates on cases, issues and events, as well as easier navigation and a cleaner interface.
Get Press Release in PDF format