Rio Grande Sierran Volume 57, Issue 2 News of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter: & West Texas April/May/June 2019 Landmark laws Clean-energy measure puts New Mexico atop nation: Page 8

What passed, what Yip yip, Hurray! New Mexico Governor vetoes didn’t in a new era outlaws coyote-killing contests funding for Gila for N.M. politics How N.M. wildlife bills fared: Page 7 River diversion Legislation summary: Page 9 Win for river: Page 10

Photo by Derrick Toledo Supporters celebrate at the March 22 signing ceremony for the Energy Transition Act, which creates an equitable transition to 100% carbon-free electricity in New Mexico.

Dutch Salmon, Federal bill protects 1945-2019 N.M. monuments The conservationist and Sen. writes about Gila River champion the 13 new wilderness areas in New co-founded the Gila Mexico resulting from the recently Conservation Coalition. passed public-lands law. Page 10 Page 6 Photo courtesy Allyson Siwik Photo courtesy Lisa Mandelkern

EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT THE PLANET More inside:

Rio Grande Chapter Non-Profit Org. Global Warming Express takes on plastic Sierra Club U.S. Postage Participants in kids’ program testify to take Albuquerque beyond 1807 Second St., Unit 45 PAID plastic and lead sit-ins at the Roundhouse. Page 3. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM Permit No. 612 Air-quality results from Counselor Navajo chapter residents surrounded by oil and gas drilling. Page 12. What ‘Dirty Water Rule’ means for you Proposed rule impacts 96% of N.M. surface waters. Page 6 More: Southern New Mexico: Page 10. Central New Mexico Group: Pages 3, 5. Northern New Mexico: Pages 12-13. Pajarito Group: 14. Hikes: Pages 15-16 Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Contacts riograndesierraclub.org facebook.com/nmsierraclub Twitter: @riograndesierra instagram.com/riograndesierraclub Executive Committee 864-0209, [email protected] Bag-Free Team: Jody Benson, Personnel Chair: John Buchser. Brintha Nathan, bookkeeper, 505- [email protected], 505-662-4782 Members: David Coss, Laurence David Coss, chair, 310-0595, [email protected] Organ Mountains Desert Peaks: [email protected] Gibson, Ken Hughes, Fred Houdek Vice treasurer: Connie Huffmire Howie Dash, [email protected]. Mary Hotvedt, vice chair Political Committee: Chair: Richard Western New Mexico [email protected] Conservation Issues Barish, [email protected]. Robert Tohe, Our Wild America Conservation Chair: Karl Laurence Gibson, secretary, Members: Susan Martin; Pajarito: senior organizing representative, 928- Braithwaite, 505-850-3369, karl@ 915-309-5419, [email protected] Jody Benson; Central Group: Richard 774-6103, [email protected] braith.net Ray Shortridge, treasurer, 505-604- Barish; Southern Group: Kurt Ander- Sierra Club National Energy/Climate Change: 3908, [email protected] 2101 Webster St., Suite 1300, Oak- Chair: Karl Braithwaite son; El Paso Group: Laurence Gibson; Susan Martin, 505-670-3279, land, CA, 94612. 415-977-5500 Water: Chair: John Buchser, 505-820- Northern New Mexico Group: Tom [email protected] Local Groups 0201, [email protected] Gorman; David Coss; Mary Hotvedt; John Buchser, jbuchser@ Dairy: Dan Lorimier, dlorimier1948@ Patricia Cardona. Central New Mexico Group, 2215 comcast.net, 505-820-0201 gmail.com Political Compliance Officer: Rich- Eric Patterson, 575-776-2833, Lead Ave. SE, Albuquerque, 87106 Public Lands: Chair: Tom Gorman, ard Barish, 505-232-3013, [email protected] Chair: Fred Houdek, fjhoudek@gmail. 505-438-3932, [email protected] [email protected] Karl Braithwaite, 505-850-3369, com, 630-809-4234. Nuclear-Waste Storage: John [email protected] El Paso Group, P.O. Box 9191, El Buchser, Patricia Cardona, Richard Sierra Student Coalition: El Paso: Paso, TX 79995, Chair: Laurence Shannon Romeling, 575-758-3874, Barish, Don Hancock Neysa Hardin, [email protected]; Gibson, [email protected], 915-309- [email protected] Wildlife: Chair: Mary Katherine Ray, Albuquerque/UNM: Keely Scheffler, 5419. Fred Houdek, Central New Mexico 575-772-5655, [email protected] Northern New Mexico Group, [email protected], 303-217-1943 Four Corners: Miya King-Flaherty, Group representative: fjhoudek@ 1807 Second St., Unit 45, Santa Fe, [email protected] Coalitions/Working Groups gmail.com, 630-809-4234 NM 87505, 505-983-2703, Chair: Methane: Camilla Feibelman, Tom Gorman, Northern New Mexico Teresa Seamster, ctc.seamster@gmail. America Votes: Richard Barish Group representative: 505-438-3932, com, 505-466-8964. [email protected] Chaco Coalition: Miya King-Flaherty, [email protected] Pajarito Group, 520 Navajo Road, Mining, Sand & Gravel: Allyson Robert Tohe, Teresa Seamster Siwik, [email protected] Jody Benson, Pajarito Group rep- Los Alamos, NM, 87544. Chair: Jody Coalition for Clean Affordable Zero Waste: Northern New Mexico resentative, [email protected], Benson, [email protected]. Energy: Karl Braithwaite 505-662-4782 Southern New Mexico Group, P.O. Group: Joe Eigner, 505-570-0583, [email protected]. Central NM Doña Ana County: Howie Dash Kurt Anderson, Southern New Mex- Box 735, Mesilla, NM, 88046; Chair: Group: Carol Chamberland, Environmental Alliance of New ico Group representative, 575-646- Howie Dash, [email protected]. [email protected], 505-341- Mexico: Patricia Cardona, Melinda 1032, [email protected] Outings 1027 Smith, Brittany Fallon El Paso Group representative: Open Chapter outings chair: Odile de La Activism Teams Friends of the Rio Grande del Beaujardiere, [email protected], 505- Communications Team: Chair: Da- Norte: Eric Patterson Offices and Staff 433-4692 Albuquerque office vid Coss. Members: Laurence Gibson, Valles Caldera: Teresa Seamster Central New Mexico: Terry Owen, John Buchser, Shannon Romeling 2215 Lead Ave. SE, Albuquerque, [email protected], 505-553-1664 Rio Puerco Management 87106, 505-243-7767 Rio Grande Sierran Editori- Committee: Tom Gorman El Paso: Laurence Gibson, lgibson@ al Board: Laurence Gibson, Ken Camilla Feibelman, Rio Grande Turquoise Trail Regional Alliance: utep.edu Hughes, Mary Katherine Ray, Jody Chapter director, 505-715-8388 or Northern New Mexico: Alan Benson, David Coss, Shannon Rome- Denise Fort [email protected] Shapiro, [email protected] ling Nuclear-waste storage: John Miya King-Flaherty, Our Wild New Southern New Mexico: Howie Sierran Editor: Mona Blaber, 505- Buchser, [email protected], 505- Mexico organizing representative, Dash, [email protected] 660-5905, [email protected] 505-243-7767, 820-0201 Inspiring Connections Outdoors: Web Editor: Ellen Loehman, [email protected] Chihuahuan Desert Border Coali- Santa Fe: Raymond Greenwell, [email protected], 505-328-2954 Cecilia Chávez Beltrán, Span- tion: Kurt Anderson, [email protected] [email protected], 516-312-5751 Elections: ish-language outings, cecilia.chavez. El Paso: Ted Mertig, 915-852-3011, Nominating: National Representatives [email protected], 505-243-7767 [email protected] Finance: Ray Shortridge, chair, 505- Council of Club Leaders Delegate: Brittany Fallon, brittany.fallon@ Military Outdoors Program: 604-3908; Members: Brintha Nathan, Shannon Romeling sierraclub.org, conservation and legis- Terry Owen, [email protected], Jim Baker, Claire McKnight, Connie lative organizer, 505-243-7767 Building Healthy Communities (505) 301-4349 Huffmire Derrick Toledo, derrick.toledo@si- Spanish-language outings: Ce- Fundraising: Louise Jensen Team Facilitator: Ken Hughes, 505- erraclub.org, clean-energy osrganizer, cilia Chávez Beltrán, cecilia.chavez. Members: John Buchser, David Coss, 316-2278, [email protected] [email protected] 505-243-7767, Jim Baker Sierra Club Wildlands and Wilder- Northern New Mexico Office Action Teams Legal: Richard Barish, 505-232-3013, ness BLM Subteam: Tom Gorman, 1807 Second Street, Unit 45 Bosque Action Team: Richard [email protected] Miya King-Flaherty Santa Fe, NM 87505 • 505-983-2703 Barish, [email protected], Legislative: Co-chairs: Patricia Rio Grande Water Fund: Teresa Mona Blaber, communications 505-232-3013. Cardona, 505-469-3230, patriciacar- director, 505-660-5905, monablaber@ Bosquitos: Sarita Streng, saritas- [email protected]; Melinda Smith, Seamster gmail.com [email protected], 505-243-1173 [email protected], 505-515-7284 Cover banner photo by Mary Claire McKnight, PAC treasurer, 646- Otero Mesa Action Team: Open Membership: David Coss Katherine Ray

Join the Rio Poetry corner ‘Rio Grande Sierran’ publication information Grande Chapter What gods are these You can join the Sierra Club now for The Rio Grande Sierran is published Contributions are welcome. Send to Who paint this land four times a year, in January, April, riogrande.chapter@ only $15! Just go to With mystic hues of pinks and gold riograndesierraclub.org/join or send a July and October, by the Rio Grande sierraclub.org. Submissions by Rio Who lend their strength to all the $15 check with your name, address and Chapter of the Sierra Club as a benefit Grande Chapter members will take the code 1700 in the memo line to for members in New Mexico and precedence. Articles chosen to be rocks Sierra Club West Texas. The opinions expressed published are subject to editing. And unless a sky of passions Attn: Member Services in signed articles in the Sierran are Letters to the editor may be up to Behold this land where peace must 2101 Webster St., #1300 the opinions of the writers and not 400 words, subject to editing, and are reign necessarily those of the Sierra Club. printed at the discretion of the editorial Oakland, CA 94612 Oh gods observe Membership questions? Call 415- Products and services advertised in the board. Editorial practices as developed Give back to man his will to blend 977-5653 or e-mail membership. Sierran are not necessarily endorsed by and adopted by the chapter will be Sierran with rocks and sky and Earth [email protected] Sierra Club. used in production of the . Leave one place free where eagles fly Donate to the Rio Grande Chapter; it’s easy! Where man can hear your voice When you contribute to the Rio your check to: To stay updated on issues you read and cry Grande Chapter, your entire donation Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter about in The Sierran, go to riogrand- “We love your Earth stays here in New Mexico and West 1807 Second Street, Unit 45 esierraclub.org and subscribe to the Let us stay a while longer and try” Texas to protect our climate, land, Santa Fe, NM 87505. chapter e-mail list, or write to monab- — Ruth A. Ives water and wildlife. You can donate at Contributions, gifts and dues to the [email protected] and ask to be added (written in early 1970s) riograndesierrclub.org/donate, or send Sierra Club are not tax-deductible. to our opt-in list. Central New Mexico and Youth Action Albuquerque: beyond bags? By Derrick Toledo ness practices to best serve the Rio Grande Chapter Clean environment. Energy fellow The Rio Grande Chapter Environmental champions is enlisting support for the on the Albuquerque City ordinance as a similar measure Council are working on a has already passed in Santa Fe. Clean and Green Ordinance to Sierra Club teams have been end the proliferation of single- active with phonebanking, use plastic bags and straws petitions, ally collaboration and as well as styrofoam because social-media outreach. of the huge role they play in The City Council is sched- global pollution. uled to consider — and Cities around the world perhaps vote — on Clean have already begun similar and Green at its meeting 5 bans encouraging the use of p.m. Monday, April 15, at the recyclable and compostable Vincent E. Griego Chambers bags. This specific ban will in Albuquerque. also include styrofoam used by For more information of restaurants in takeout contain- how you can help, send an ers. If passed, the ordinance email to derrick.toledo@ will allow restaurants one year sierraclub.org or call/text to plan and adjust to new busi- 505-401-7932. Chapter endorses in MRGCD races By Richard Barish the lead Chapter Political chair planner in charge of The Sierra Club has writing the endorsed John Kelly and Rio Grande Barbara Baca for the Middle Valley Rio Grande Conservancy State Park District Board of Directors. John Kelly Management The election will be on June Plan. She 4 (but see below for infor- states: “The mation on early and absentee Rio Grande voting). If you own property Bosque Credits, clockwise from top left: Theresa Palmer, Zubin Stillings, Anni Hanna, within the boundaries of the must be David McGahey, Bobbe Besold MRGCD (essentially, the Rio protected for Clockwise from top left: Global Warming Express partic- Grande Valley) and if you are conservation, ipants with Clean Energy Conference keynote speaker an MRGCD ratepayer, you education, Destiny Watford; at the Roundhouse; U.S. Rep. Deb can vote in this election. Barbara Baca recreation, Haaland sitting with kids and watching Sierra at the Green The MRGCD owns most and social New Deal Town Hall; Gov. Lujan Grisham with GWEers of the land that comprises the equity.” Barbara is running for at the signing of her climate executive order; “We’re all in bosque and is a key player in the “at-large” seat, meaning the same boat” art installation at the Roundhouse. management of the bosque. It MRGCD voters in Sandoval, is a major user of our limited Bernalillo, Valencia and Socorro water resources. The District is counties can all vote for her. Global Warming Express controlled by the elected board The election is on June 4, but of directors. It is important that you can vote early from May 20 we have board members who By Genie Stevens Jan. 29: At Clean Energy Day, over 60 GWEers through Saturday, June 1. Early are responsive to our environ- voting is on weekdays except Rio Grande Chapter Global GWE from many schools descended on the Roundhouse, mental concerns! This is an May 27 and on Saturday, coordinator were officially recognized on the House floor by election where your vote can June 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 The seventh year of Global Warming Express Speaker Brian Egolf, trained in the legislative really make a difference, since process, and spoke at the most raucous, moving and p.m. Locations include the is shaping up to be the busiest. Below, some of few people vote in this election. MRGCD office, 1931 Second amazing press conference. what GWE has been up to: John Kelly is running for St. SW, Harrison Middle Feb 4: Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez introduced Jan. 9: GWEers from Mountain Mahogany re-election to a Bernalillo School, 3912 Isleta Blvd. SW, School in Albuquerque were invited to attend the SB459, calling for a 4-year moratorium on frack- County seat. John has consis- and Los Ranchos City Hall, Albuquerque City Council’s press conference on the ing while its effects are studied. After the senator’s tently been a supporter of our 6718 Rio Grande NW, all in Clean and Green ordinance (see article, above right) presentation, Emily, Elizabeth and Sierra gave issues regarding the bosque, Bernalillo County; 800 South just a few weeks after the kids spoke to councilors speeches, along with Eileen Shendo and Samuel and he has been a strong voice Hill Rd. in Bernalillo; 444 about the need for the measure. Sage. for transparency and efficient Luna Ave. SE in Los Lunas; Jan 28: GWEers testified at the Finance Feb. 18: 350.org and Sierra Club co-spon- user of water by the District. and Belén City Hall, 100 South Committee meeting of the City Council on the sored the amazing town hall with U.S. Rep. Deb He brings his expertise as Main. A full list of early and proposed ban on single-use plastic bags, straws Haaland! Sierra, from New Mexico School for the an engineer to the board. Election Day voting locations and styrofoam take-out containers. The committee Deaf, signed the day’s final speech. Rep. Haaland MRGCD voters in Bernalillo can be found at mrgcd.com, moved the measure to the full City Council! gave GWE a Congressional Award for Outstanding County can vote for John. along with information on how On the same night, GWEers attended the Service for dedication to Climate Change Barbara Baca was formerly to obtain an absentee ballot. Clean Energy Conference in Santa Fe. GWEer Advocacy for NM and the Planet Earth. the head of Albuquerque’s Parks Please vote for John Kelly Emily introduced keynote speaker Destiny March 15: International Youth Climate Strike! and Open Space Division. and Barbara Baca if you are Watson, the 2016 Goldman Prize winner for her Led by GWE teen mentor Hannah of Santa Fe Barbara was involved in bosque an MRGCD voter! For more Environmental Activism. Emily stayed up super- and Emily, 10, the kids held a rally, march and protection throughout her information, contact Richard late to hear all that Destiny had to say and to get sit-in with excellent speeches by Lori, Emily, 30-plus-year career with the Barish, richard.barish@gmail. a photo with her hero. Suki, Asilah and Sierra. City of Albuquerque. She was com. Around the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Call for Getting things done in NM nominations fter again seeing Sierra Club ments around Wilderness Alliance and so many more Every year, Sierra Club Rio Grande folks in action during the the legislation. New Mexicans have put their shoulder Chapter members elect several positions recent legislative session, Brittany Fallon, to the wheel to move us forward. Two on our group and chapter executive I need to say it is a very in her first session new groups that I was excited to work committees. exciting time to be in the Rio Grande as our legislative A with included the AFL-CIO Building Sierra Club chapters are run by Chapter of the Sierra Club. As I read lobbyist, was Trades Council and Somos un Pueblo volunteers, and our Rio Grande this issue of our newsletter, I want to always there, Unido. They helped craft an Energy thank all our volunteers, committee and I wondered Chapter is divided into five regional Transition Act that has given New members, allies and staff for everything if she ever groups: El Paso, Southern New Mexico, Mexico the best renewable energy they have done the last year to earn David Coss slept. She could Central New Mexico, Northern New portfolio standards in the country and these victories for our communities Rio Grande inform us almost Mexico and Pajarito. the tools to lead to better jobs and and our environment. Chapter chair immediately on Those groups are led by elected We should all acknowledge our the intricacies outcomes for working folk in New executive committees. Group commit- fantastic Rio Grande Chapter legisla- of committee referral timelines and Mexico as our state moves to renewable tee members serve two-year terms and tive committee led by Melinda Smith current bill status. Her work was crit- energy. chapter ExCom members serve three- and Patricia Cardona. Any commit- ical in our efforts. Mona Blaber kept Finally, I want to thank Gov. year terms. tee hearing I went to was always well the e-blasts and calls for action going , House Three chapter Executive Committee attended by Club members and our on the numerous issues our Club was Speaker Brian Egolf, Senate Majority and half of group Executive Committee supporters. The endless showing up to working on. Miya King-Flaherty and Leader Peter Wirth and all the progres- positions are up this year. Candidates testify, coordinate, communicate and Derrick Toledo brought new voices and sive legislators who got so much approved by the Nominating perspectives to the legislative session purchase food and other supplies for done for us. After eight years fight- Committee will appear on a ballot in and greatly broadened the effectiveness special events really made the Sierra ing assorted climate deniers, wildlife the October/November/December Club stand out as an engaged and of our work. exploiters and other polluters, we Sierran. effective group. My congratulations I should also acknowledge our allies, have held our ground and we are now and thanks to each and every one of the organizations that were there with If you would like to be considered moving forward. I saw how hard our you that helped with the effort. us and helped push so many good bills for nomination for group or chap- I also want to thank our amazing over the finish line. Organizations like legislators and governor worked, and ter Executive Committee, or if you staff. Director Camilla Feibelman led Conservation Voters New Mexico, I thank them. There is a lot more we would like to nominate someone the education efforts for the Energy Environment New Mexico, Animal expect from our elected representatives, else for consideration, please contact Transition Act for all of us and for Protection New Mexico, 350.org, and I know Rio Grande Sierra Club Nominations Committee Chair Mary many others in New Mexico. She Amigos Bravos, New Mexico Wildlife members will continue to be working Hotvedit at [email protected]. stayed calm, positive and focused Federation, Wild Earth Guardians, hard for social and environmental Please contact Mary with any questions during some really heated disagree- Defenders of Wildlife, the New Mexico justice in our communities. about the nomination process. El Paso students organize for wolves El Paso Executive Committee elpasosierraclub.org Laurence Gibson, Chair, 309-5419 laurenceagibson@ gmail.com Ann Falknor, Secretary, 833-9162 afalknor@ sbcglobal.netv Kathy Sunday, Treasurer, 584-9301 sundayt@zianet. com Rick LoBello, 474-1456, [email protected] Neysa Hardin Liz Walsh, 342-7630 Throughout the month of February, Sierra Student Coalition [email protected] students from Americas High School collected more than 800 John Walton, 539-5797, letters to send to President Trump, asking him to maintain protec- [email protected] tion of the Rocky Mountain gray wolf and the Mexican gray wolf Neysa Hardin 227-5154, under the Endangered Species Act. Students also provided an [email protected] informational booth during lunch periods to educate their class- mates about this crucial issue. Celebrate five years of monument

By Patrick Nolan transformative impact the monument has had, Friends of OMDP and will continue to have, on our community. ou are cordially invited to celebrate the We are pleased to announce that Gov. Michelle Yfive-year anniversary of Organ Mountains- Lujan Grisham will be our keynote speaker. Desert Peaks National Monument. In the past five years, we have seen visitation On May 21, 2014, President Barack Obama to the monument nearly double, bringing with signed an executive order establishing the Organ it an increase in tourism to the Mesilla Valley. Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. The business community has benefitted from This was the culmination of the tireless work this new spotlight on our area, with everything of our community and officials to protect our from wine, food, and clothing being branded lands for generations to come. We raised our in relation to the monument. It would not be voices loud enough for the president of the United States to hear us, and that is a remark- an exaggeration to say that the monument’s able thing. designation has been one of the most conse- To mark the five-year anniversary, the Friends quential events to occur in our region both for of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks will be our economy and community at large. hosting a celebration on May 18 at the Las We hope you will be able to attend this cele- Cruces Convention Center to commemorate the bration of a place we all cherish and love. Central New Mexico Group ABQ Ride Zero Waste recycling tour free on By Carol Chamberland Earth Day Central NM Group Zero Waste Action Team ABQ RIDE will be offering ur group began in July 2018 free bus rides on Earth Day, with the idea of promoting April 22. a greener Albuquerque. We The agency would like focused on recycling as an area to encourage the public to Owhere we might be able to have a posi- consider commuter bus and tive impact, but quickly realized that we other alternative forms of needed more information. We embarked transportation such as trains, on an educational focus by speaking with biking, walking and carpool- professionals and researching related ing instead of single vehicle topics. Our little group continued to occupancy in order to reduce grow. traffic congestion, air pollu- Jill Holbert, associate director of Solid tion and carbon emissions. Waste Management Department, came ABQ Ride says it hopes to speak with us in October. She reported the event will familiarize that Albuquerque has a 20% residential commuters with the bus recycling rate. Its website still reflects the system. Go to www.cabq.gov/ old plan and goals; the new adminis- transit/routes-and-schedules tration hopes to review a proposed plan for more information. before adopting it. Their accomplishments Cecilia Chávez Beltrán to date: Zero Waste Team members toured the Albuquerque Friedman recycling facility to learn • closed the city processing facility about its processes and how the team can help reduce waste citywide. Central New and moved comingled recycling to the Mexico Contacts Friedman facility, which has greater customers for their bales of sorted recycla- the Council’s Finance Committee, where capacity bles, but the increased labor costs result the youngsters appeared again to make Chair: Fred Houdek, fjhoudek@ • initiated curbside recycling city-wide, in virtually no profit margin for Friedman their case. Zero Waste Albuquerque gmail.com, 630.809.4234 doubling the volume to 38,000 tons per and the city. Our takeaway that day: Team members were on hand to speak in Vice Chair: Ray Shortridge, year Don’t put plastic bags in your recycling support of the proposal. The ordinance is [email protected] • offers pickup services to commercial bin. They can be recycled at most grocery awaiting financial analysis of the issues. Treasurer: David Ther, grelbik@ businesses on a voluntary basis stores. They are then made into more We will be on hand again to support the gmail.com • now focusing on outreach and educa- plastic bags. Better yet, stop using plastic proposal April 15, when the City Council Secretary: Heather Kline, tion via social-media campaigns bags altogether. considers it. [email protected], • green waste is picked up twice annu- On a cold and windy day in January, Our research has yielded examples of 505.577.2798 ally we toured Soilutions, an organics-recy- cities doing things right or getting things Outings: Terry Owen, teowen@ • Recyclothes collects and delivers used cling facility in the South Valley. They terribly wrong. We’ve learned that plas- comcast.net, 505-301-4349 clothing to the APS homeless children’s process yard waste, horse manure and tics are a much bigger problem than we’d Carol Chamberland, bank food waste into rich compost, which initially realized. We found other groups [email protected] • glass recycling has contamination they sell for a profit. We strolled among in town working along similar lines, and Mark Rudd, mark@markrudd. issues and few markets pyramids of compostable materials in we hope to join forces with them. com • there is currently no reporting of over- varying degrees of becoming soil. They We continue to educate ourselves with Peter Kelling, cloudsandwater@ all recycling volume in the city offer pickup services for food-processing tours and speakers. This month we’ll have a juno.com In December, we took a tour of the city’s facilities so that their food waste becomes presentation by Ralph Wrons, who recently Other Responsibilities recycling contractor, Friedman Recycling. compost instead of going into the landfill headed up the recycling program for Sandia After donning hardhats, neon vests and and generating methane gas. Our Zero Labs. Next month, we’ll visit the city’s Political/Bosque: Richard goggles, we watched the city trucks dump- Waste Action Team envisions a time when Water Treatment facility. We hope to visit a Barish, richardbarish@gmail. ing recycled materials and workers loading composting becomes an official city policy glass-recycling plant as well as an electron- com it onto conveyor belts, where it is sorted and companies like Soilutions are an inte- ics recycler in the near future. Art showings: Peter Kelling automatically. When plastic bags wind up gral part of the process. Now we’re getting into action. After Volunteer coordinator: Keely in the mix, workers do their best to pull Kudos to the youngsters of the Global much discussion, we’ve arrived at a list Scheffler, kscheffler99@unm. them out as they whiz by, but inevitably, Warming Express, who appeared before of concrete action items and designated edu, tabling. Patty Duncan, some bags get into the machinery and jam Albuquerque’s City Council, on a school people to work on each one. Our monthly [email protected], Volunteer it to a standstill. The workflow stops while night in January, to present their case meetings provide lively discussions Wednesdays the machine gets unstuck and restarted. against the proliferation of plastic bags. and thoughtful solutions. Our group Wildlife: Leslie Chavez, When we asked about China no longer Their powerful testimony compelled represents a wide range of ages and back- [email protected] taking our recycled materials, we expected four councilors to draft the Clean and grounds. We welcome energetic volunteers Military Outings: Terry Owen to hear about layoffs and the loss of jobs. Green Retail Ordinance, a ban on single- with creative ideas for minimizing our UNM Sierra Student Coalition: On the contrary, our guide told us they use plastic bags and other non-recycla- impact on the planet. If you want to get Keely Scheffler, kscheffler99@ hired more people to make a cleaner ble items such as Styrofoam takeout involved, contact Carol Chamberland at unm.edu end product. They have no shortage of containers. The resolution went before [email protected].

Central NM Group needs you! By Fred Houdek activities and determine their points Central New Mexico Group of interest. chair Volunteer Coordinator: Register The Rio Grande Chapter’s the Club for community events at Central New Mexico Group is which to table and rallies to attend. seeking a few volunteers to fill some Schedule volunteers to table at important leadership positions. events. If you are interested or want Set-up crew: We also need more detailed information on volunteers to set up and take down the responsibilities, contact Fred our tabling displays at community Houdek at (630) 809-4234 (text or events. call) or [email protected]. All these positions will work Membership/volunteer closely with Keely Schefler, our Chairperson: Reach out to new intern, and me, Fred. Join us — and old members and volunteers to you’ll have fun, meet new people, educate them on the Central Group and make a difference for the planet! Federal environmental policy What the Dirty Water Rule means for New Mexico By Rachel Conn Santa Fe River, Gallinas and Amigos Bravos Rio Fernando provide water n Feb. 14, the EPA for our acequias, wildlife and released a draft rule recreation, but do not always that reduces the flow year-round. These Oamount of waters that are waters need protection from protected under the Clean unregulated dumping and Water Act. The comment pollution! period on the draft rule is n Twenty percent of only 60 days and ends on the state’s vertebrate wild- April 15. life depend upon waters This Dirty Water Rule has serious impacts for New that would no longer be Charles Mann Mexico’s waters. protected. U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and championed a law that protects habitats in Organ Mountains Water is precious in New n At least 280,000 people Desert Peaks National Monument, above, and Río Grande del Norte National Monument as wilderness. Mexico. This move by the in New Mexico receive Environmental Protection drinking water from sources Agency reverses years of that rely at least in part on work to ensure that New these tributaries. Historic legislation Mexicans have the clean n New Mexico is a water they need for drink- non-delegated state, mean- ing, irrigating, and recreat- ing that EPA administers ing. for our public lands and issues pollutant-dis- The proposed 2019 Dirty charge permits in New Water Rule would negatively early 100 years ago, a forester working has been one of America’s impact New Mexico more Mexico. Unlike many other in New Mexico named Aldo Leopold most successful conserva- than any other state in the states we do not have a state recognized the beauty and irreplaceable tion programs: the Land and nation. program in place to control value of protecting the untrammeled Water Conservation Fund. The proposed rule would surface-water discharges into Nlandscapes that we have grown to treasure as In New Mexico, LWCF has remove Clean Water Act state waters. wilderness. More than 50 years ago, New Mexico’s used a portion of the reve- protections for ephemeral The Clean Water Rule Sen. led the effort to pass the nues from offshore oil and and maybe intermittent was developed in 2015 by Wilderness Act into law. gas drilling to protect iconic waters. EPA and Army Corps of I am so proud to announce that we have success- Guest column landscapes like the Valles The New Mexico fully passed a landmark package of bipartisan legis- Caldera, Ute Mountain, and Engineers to clarify what U.S. Sen. Environment Department waters are protected by the lation that I championed to build on that legacy. Valle de Oro, without costing Estimates that 96% of New Clean Water Act in response The public-lands package that passed Congress in Martin taxpayers a single dime. It has Mexico’s surface waters to confusion after Supreme February establishes 13 new wilderness areas in Heinrich also provided for community would be left unprotected. New Mexico on a scale we have not seen since the projects like baseball and soccer Court rulings in 2001 and Below is a list of some of New Mexico Wilderness Act of 1980. fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Now we will 2006. It was finalized after the impacts: We advanced community-driven conservation no longer need to worry year after year about renew- more than 200 days of n The entire Gila River visions for New Mexico’s two newest national ing this clearly successful program. and other interstate waters public comment (as opposed monuments: the Río Grande del Norte and Organ In a state that proudly calls itself the Land of would lose Clean Water to only 60 for the proposed Mountains-Desert Peaks. These two monuments Enchantment, we all know how much our public Act Protections. The rule Dirty Water Rule). protect places New Mexicans have long recognized lands mean to us. These are the places where gener- proposes to get rid of inter- The Clean Water Rule as national treasures. We are now protecting the ations of families have gone to explore our natural state waters as a category restored protections that most rugged and unique habitats in each monu- wonders and learn about our rich history and protected under the rule, once existed for a variety ment as wilderness. We also established the Ah-shi- culture. They also fuel a thriving outdoor recreation and because the Gila runs of water bodies, including sle-pah Wilderness and added to the Bisti/De-Na- economy that supports nearly 100,000 jobs in our dry at the bottom stretch, it tributaries to traditionally Zin Wilderness in northwestern New Mexico. state. That’s why this legislation is so important. does not connect to a tradi- navigable waters. The public lands package also includes my bipar- In a frustrating political time in Washington, tional navigable water. This rule ensures that the tisan bill, the Every Kid Outdoors Act, which will when it can be difficult to find any areas of agree- n Wetlands with no allow every fourth-grader in America to visit our ment, I am pleased that we have found a way tributaries to these river apparent surface connection nation’s parks, forests, wildlife refuges and public forward on these measures. And I am so thankful systems are protected under to other nearby water bodies lands free of charge — and bring their families along to all the New Mexicans who played a role in would lose protection as well the law. with them. I am so excited that we are encourag- getting these conservation victories over the finish (this is well over half of New The proposed Dirty Water ing a new generation of youth to explore the rich line. I have no doubt that these measures will go a Mexico’s wetlands). Rule would replace the natural and cultural history on display in our parks, long way toward ensuring that the outdoor places n Important New Mexico Clean Water Rule nation- forests and monuments. we all treasure will be protected for future genera- tributary streams such as the wide. We also permanently reauthorized what I believe tions of Americans to enjoy. Udall will leave legacy of conservation By Camilla Feibelman withdraw lease As ranking member of the sacred to the Gwich’in, Alaska Natives fter 10 years in the Senate, Tom availability near Interior, EPA and Related Agencies who live adjacent to the area. AUdall announced his retirement Chaco Culture Appropriations Subcommittee, he has Sen. Udall was a key voice in oppos- last month. Sen. Udall has been a true National Historical defended key programs, fending off ing the nomination of Scott Pruitt for defender of public lands and a champion Park, a sacred site anti-environmental riders and deep EPA administrator, and has continued for native people. for Navajo and budget cuts to environmental programs. to lead on the response to the scandals Sen. Udall took the lead in creating Pueblo nations. He is one of the original cosponsors surrounding Pruitt during his tenure. and defending Obama-era monuments, Sen. Udall has of the Arctic Wilderness Bill and helped Sen. Udall was also very proactive in including Organ Mountains Desert stood in strong lead the fight against including language opposing ransoming the lives of DACA Peaks and Rio Grande del Norte, in defense of common-sense methane stan- in the Senate budget bill to allow drilling recipients for President Trump’s $25 addition to Bears Ears and Grand dards and was instrumental in the fight in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge. billion border wall and continues to be Staircase Escalante in Utah. to stop an attempt to nullify the BLM The coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge an outspoken advocate for Dreamers He also filed federal legislation to Methane Rule in 2017. is one of America’s last wild places and and border communities. 2019 New Mexico Legislative Session Big win for decency, ethics, coyotes Killing contests Sen. Jeff Steinborn, would have provided legal protection to all outlawed, but wildlife species in NM not just the select few game species — legislation to end most with antlers and hooves trapping on public — covered in statute now. This is the second try for this bill, lands stalls in House but it did not get past its first By Mary Katherine Ray Senate committee. SB 203, also Chapter Wildlife chair sponsored by Sen. Steinborn, met the same fate. This hat happened to all the wildlife measure would have renamed bills in the 2019 the Department of Game and New Mexico Fish to the Department of legislativeW session? Before we Wildlife. It’s worth noting that begin, it is worth reflecting that state senators were not elected of the 1,370 bills introduced, last fall. The green wave hasn’t only 309 actually passed both reached this body yet, but it chambers to go to the governor may in 2020, which is when for her signature — a rate of all senate seats will be up for 22.6%. election. No matter who is in charge, SB 38, the Wildlife passing a bill is still not easy. Trafficking Act Most bills didn’t make it, and , sponsored by this was true of the wildlife Photos by J E Newman Sen. Mimi Stewart and Rep. bills as well. New Mexicans responded in record numbers to support a ban on coyote-killing contests. Your Gail Chasey, would prohibit House Bill 366, Roxy’s Law, activism mattered: Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the ban into law in April. buying or selling animal parts sponsored by Reps. Matthew Below: New Mexicans jammed Roundhouse committee hearings to speak out against trapping, but from threatened and endan- McQueen, Christine Chandler while the bill progressed further than previous years, it never got a vote on the House floor. gered species inside our state. and Roberto Gonzales, the needle starts moving (and This bill passed the entire banning traps and poisons it has now, thanks to all of our Legislature two years ago with from New Mexico public efforts including yours), it’s almost no objection, only to be lands, regretfully did not pass. hard to stop. pocket-vetoed by Gov. Susana But it did make significant Senate Bill 76, banning Martinez. progress! For the first time ever, coyote-killing contests, This year, it passed the Senate it passed two House commit- thrillingly and gratifyingly did and House committees, but tees, reaching the House pass! Sponsored by Sens. Mark floor. So many people came when it reached the House Moores and Jeff Steinborn, Floor, it was stopped by a to testify in support, a dream it is one of the 281 bills that Republican filibuster the last team of outdoor and wildlife Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham day of the session in a move enthusiasts, wildlife biologists, has signed into law. Coyotes, veterinarians, artists, canine as the victims of both traps that was entirely politically search-and-rescue teams, and killing contests, occupied motivated to stymie progress. hunters, farmers and profes- a great deal of the discussion It can be frustrating that we sionals of many backgrounds. about both bills, revealing how have to wait another two years Many more made phone calls much misinformation about to try again on bills that didn’t and sent emails. Every single our native and charismatic pass. But try we will! Before action taken by every person song dog is believed by some, then, we will have another who participated helped to get including legislators. Scientific the bill as far as it did! For that, election. evidence shows us that coyotes We would never have passed thank you! are not controlled in any the coyote-contest ban without Once it got to the full beneficial way by random mass all the hard work we did to House, advocates worked to killing. This fact will need to so a killer can win a prize. on the commission to make it secure positions from New elect environmental champi- be repeated often in the next SB 228, the Wildlife more diverse and representative Mexico’s 70 state represen- ons. couple of years! Corridors Act of the New Mexico public. It tatives but could not find , sponsored by The killing-contest legisla- also gave some of the appoint- Between now and 2020, talk support from enough lawmak- Sen. Mimi Stewart, also passed tion, a simple two-page bill ments of the seven-member with your legislators and with ers for the bill to pass. both chambers and has been that prohibits organizing or signed by the Governor. It board to the Legislature in candidates. Tell them wildlife We are working to gain participating in coyote-killing directs New Mexico Game order to diffuse the political is important to you and that support of those who are contests anywhere in New and Fish and the New Mexico nature of this body. The bill you care about responsibly, hesitant. And because of the Mexico, was also a multi- Department of Transportation passed the House and Senate compassionately and ethically progress made this year, we year effort. It had previously to examine where roadways Conservation Committee, but managing the many creatures know which legislators and passed both houses, but not and wildlife travel corridors was voted down in the Senate with whom we are so fortunate House districts on which in the same year. Nevertheless, overlap and to develop an Judiciary Committee. to concentrate for the next passage was still hard-won. to share our state. You might action plan to mitigate obstruc- Even so, Gov. Lujan go-round. Because the bill has The hearings went on late into also express thanks to sponsors tions to wildlife passage. Grisham, who has the author- never gotten out of committee, the day, and so many of you mentioned above (visit http:// SB 383, allowing the state most representatives have never sat through them to make ity to appoint all seven www.nmlegis.gov for their Game Commission to consider had a chance to even think this happen. Given the odds members, has asked the contact information) and thank fair-chase principles for about the issue of trapping. against passing any bill, we current Game Commission — Gov. Lujan Grisham for sign- hunting when setting policy, appointed by her predecessor We’ve made sure it’s now on are enormously proud and ing the wildlife bills that made was sponsored by Sen. Pete — to resign. their radar! heartened that this one did get it to her desk. (www.governor. Campos and is the third and She will be appointing a The fight to stop reck- through. We will no longer state.nm.us/contact-the-gover- less, cruel, commercialized, final wildlife bill that passed new commission soon, and have to suffer the terrible nor) recreational trapping on New images of stacks of dead coyote the legislature and has been hopefully even without new The legislature is a compli- Mexico’s public lands is feeling carcasses often dumped in the signed by the governor. legislation they make decisions very similar to the effort to end desert after the contest is over. HB 263 would reform the using scientific integrity and cated and sometimes perplex- cockfighting, which took 17 Coyotes won’t have to suffer Game Commission. This bill, the values held by most New ing institution. But we made years. We are now seven years such senseless and wanton sponsored by Rep. Matthew Mexicans, not just trophy progress for wildlife this into the trapping bill and hope violence taking their lives for McQueen, defined the quali- hunters and profiteers. session, and we vow to keep it won’t take that long! Once momentary entertainment or fications for people who serve SB 417, sponsored by making it! Legislature Landmark energy law puts NM first By Mona Blaber ETA coalition Communications director An array of organizations worked to hat a difference a year pass and improve the Energy Transition and an election make. Act. The Building Trades Council When Gov. Michelle achieved increased funding for worker Lujan Grisham signed severance and training and for increased theW Energy Transition Act on March 22, apprenticeship opportunities in all new New Mexico emerged from eight years energy projects. Indigenous leaders, of backward-looking energy policy to concerned that the impact of fossil fuels commit to 100% carbon-free electricity on frontline communities had not been and the nation’s strongest renewable- fully addressed, worked with bill sponsors energy law. to add language on meaningful tribal With coal the worst climate offender consultation and funding to address these among energy sources, it was a big issues. Environmentalists won unprece- victory two years ago when PNM dented clean-energy mandates. announced it was no longer economical A few quotes from supporters: to run the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station power plant after contracts expire “Thanks to Rep. Angelica Rubio, in 2022. the legislature also approved $200,000 But the closure would mean a for a workforce development study community that has sacrificed so much to identify barriers and opportunities for energy extraction would lose the for underrepresented workers in the source of 425 jobs and millions in taxes. industry. Somos members in south- Then there’s the problem of eastern New Mexico have worked hard “stranded” debt — the money PNM has to ensure that our familias are not left already spent on the plant that custom- behind in the emerging green economy.” ers have been paying back (plus a rate — Marcela Díaz, of return). Who would pay for the debt Somos Un Pueblo Unido left over when the plant closes? “For New Mexico Interfaith Power A policy tool called securitization and Light, work on the Energy emerged: The state would allow PNM Transition Act was a collaborative to sell low-interest bonds to recover the opportunity to address climate-change remaining debt at a much lower rate public policy in a way that will have than customers are currently paying Top photo: Tom Solomon. Bottom photo: David McGahey many positive ripple effects. (2-3% compared to 10%). PNM gets its Top: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham served coffee before a Senate committee hearing Care of our Sacred Creation, care of principal back but no longer receives the on the Energy Transition Act to show her support. Above: Rio Grande Chapter our communities and our neighbors profits on it; customers get lower rates chair David Coss testifies for the clean-energy legislation at a packed committee who are most vulnerable to the effects in line with the best-case scenario from a hearing. Thousands of New Mexicans contacted legislators to urge passage. of climate change and just transition Public Regulation Commission decision, for workers and communities must be and the savings are used to create funds 50% renewable electricity by 2030; 80% Juan closure, fuel costs and other plant at the core of our energy policies as for community reinvestment and worker renewables by 2040; and 100% carbon- expenses will also go down considerably. we move forward. No one can be left compensation, reducing the negative free electricity by 2045. Rural electric n Makes it much more likely PNM behind.” impacts of plant closure. co-ops get five years longer to comply. will replace San Juan’s coal power with — Sister Joan Brown, After PNM last year tried to float n Stops the pollution from coal-fired renewable energy rather than natural N.M. Interfaith Power and Light a securitization bill that mostly bene- San Juan Generating Station for good. gas. fited PNM, environmental, labor “San Juan Citizens Alliance (SJCA) n Directs $20 million to San Juan n and community groups negotiated Closes massive loopholes in the was able to contribute to the energy County economic development and transformational progress to create the current Renewable Energy Act. Those transition funding piece ($30 million requires 450 megawatts of replacement Energy Transition Act, an equitable loopholes allow big users to pay less for for clean up and decommissioning, power in the same school district as the transition to 100% carbon-free energy. renewables than residential customers and and $40 million for economic diver- San Juan plant to replace the communi- With support from the governor and allowed PNM, for example, to provide sification) for the Four Corners to be ty’s lost property-tax base. a huge and diverse coalition, including only about 12% renewable energy, despite routed through state workforce agen- labor unions AFSCME and Building n Provides another $20 million in the current law requiring 15%. cies and New Mexico Environment Trades Council and community and severance payments and job training for Sponsors, including Sens. Jacob Department. The bill also requires social-justice groups such as Somos Un San Juan plant and mine workers. Candelaria and Mimi Stewart and replacement power in NW New Pueblo Unido, Prosperity Works, Native n Creates an apprenticeship program Rep. Nate Small, deserve thanks for Mexico in the school district impacted American Voters Alliance and New for all new energy development, prior- shepherding this landmark bill and by closure. Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, the itizing diversity and representation of acting on community input. This is rare We are committed to the ETA imple- bill passed the Legislature in March and frontline communities. legislation that is a win-win-win-win mentation and look forward to contin- is now the law of the land. n Lowers rates. The costs that are for our children’s health and safety, for ued work with our partners on reducing Here’s what the ETA does: refinanced in the bonds are costs PNM ratepayers, for workers, and for the Four climate-change-inducing pollutants and n Requires our state’s investor-owned customers are already paying and would Corners community. Thanks for being moving to sustainable energy sources.” utilities (PNM, El Paso Electric and continue to pay until 2053 if San Juan part of a big moment of hope for New — Mike Eisenfeld, Southwestern Public Service) to provide didn’t close. Under any scenario of San Mexico. San Juan Citizens Alliance Building foundation for victory from grassroots By Camilla Feibelman attended, ready to learn about climate change. Participants set since Donald Trump took event featured a workshop on he Sierra Club’s Grassroots legislation, give feedback to their alarms to ring at 12:12 office. It sets a target of 45% freeing your pet from wild- TLobby Program has steadily legislators and practice talking p.m. The Rotunda filled with greenhouse-gas reduction life traps. Partner lobby days, grown to help our members, about complex issues. Gov. sound as 60 Global Warming from 2005 levels by 2030 and from Witness for the People partners and supporters become Michelle Lujan Grisham spoke. Express kids dropped “climate orders a state methane rule, to Uranium Workers Day to highly effective advocates for Twelve legislators attended and ribbons” from the gallery above. new building codes, increased Environmental Justice Day, environmental legislation at the workshopped their legislation The ribbons had been gathered renewable portfolio standard, all helped bring a huge array Roundhouse. with participants. by 350NM over the years from and reducing auto emissions. of critical issues to light for This year, we worked for The next day, dozens of people who’d written on each This year’s Lands, Water legislators. several months with a large participants attended the about what they love and hope and Wildlife Day featured Your Roundhouse presence coalition of organizations and Clean Energy Lobby Day at never to lose to climate chaos. a panel headlined by Land and calling and writing to legis- people to plan the Clean Energy the Roundhouse. In addition That same morning, the Commissioner Stephanie lators make a real difference to Conference in Santa Fe at the to speaking to legislators about governor signed one of the Garcia Richard and others passing game-changing legisla- beginning of the legislative key bills, grassroots lobby- strongest climate executive who primed grassroots lobby- tion. We hope you’ll continue session. More than 400 people ists “Sounded the Alarm” on orders in the United States ists on our bills. The noon to participate. Legislative Session in Review By Brittany Fallon for local entities to build and Rio Grande Chapter sell power from community lobbyist solar gardens. That allows magine a 100% carbon-free people who rent or can’t install future, where New Mexican solar rooftops to still buy into homes are powered largely solar power. This bill died after by renewables, with delayed hearings and weak- Ireduced energy demand due to ening amendments that gave efficiency measures, and where utilities more power to crowd increased access to charging out competition by building stations means we can drive their own solar gardens. It will electric vehicles all over the be a top priority in the next state. The 60-day 2019 New session. Mexico legislative session paves Wildlife Trafficking the way to realizing that vision, (SB38): Was withdrawn from and I want to congratulate each near-passage on the last day of you on our historic climate when it became clear House wins. Of 1,370 bills introduced, Republicans would have fili- only 281 were signed into law bustered all progress with only this year, and we had some a few hours left to hear many HUGE wins among them! important bills. New Mexico is the third state Raising oil and gas royal- ties (SB500, HB398): This in the nation to pass 100% Photos by David McGahey legislation would bring New carbon-free legislation, with Above: At the March 14 Climate Strike, students converged on the New Mexico Roundhouse and Mexico oil and gas royalty perhaps the strongest mandate held a sit-in to urge bold climate action. of the three, and I hope you all rates from extraction on state can truly feel how significant one of the first states to do Division’s authority to penalize bills, and there just isn’t time to lands in line with neighbor- that is. I thank you, wholeheart- so, along with Hawaii and oil and gas violations. Now, for pass them all in 60 days. Other ing states. The House version edly, for every call and e-mail California. This is momentous the first time in a decade, the bills were blocked by intransi- died, despite strong support on every bill. You have built one legislation that sets a bench- Oil Conservation Division will gent legislators, a reminder that by Land Commissioner of the most powerful grassroots mark for our neighboring states be able to assess penalties. We’ll state senators weren’t up for Stephanie Garcia Richard, forces in New Mexico. and paves the way to a liveable work on raising the fine limits election in 2018, but they will and the Senate version passed Senate Conservation but was Below, I’ve included our planet for future generations. in the next session. be in 2020 ... never scheduled in Senate wins and future wins – just Energy Efficiency Act Ending coyote-killing Study energy-extraction Corporations. This is the first because something didn’t (HB291, SB136): Removes contests in New Mexico impact on tribal people (House year for this legislation, and pass this year doesn’t mean it disincentives for utilities to (SB76): More than 1,000 Memorial 73): This memo- Garcia Richard’s support gives never will. It can take several invest in energy efficiency, the of you wrote to Gov. Lujan rial requested a study of the it a better chance next year. years to pass game-changing cheapest and most effective Grisham to ask her to outlaw economic, health, environmen- Environmental Review Act legislation, as was the case for way to reduce carbon pollu- coyote-killing contests. Your tal and social costs of extractive (HB206): Would have required many of the bills passed this tion. It’s a wonky issue but a years of activism are what and fossil fuel impacts to indig- a review process before permit- year. Sometimes legislation very big deal for greenhouse finally got this bill over the enous communities. The study ting major projects or going needs time to mature, both emissions from electricity. The finish line. See Mary Katherine proposed in the memorial can through rulemaking, so state in content and in the way it law requires utilities to carry Ray’s article on Page 7 to read still go forward if we and part- agencies would need to involve might dovetail with current law out programs that benefit more about this and all wildlife ners can find funding for it. (or even with other bills going and inform the public, conduct ratepayers like home energy legislation this year. Climate Resilience for New through the process at the same environmental analysis, and audits, and it increases utilities’ Water Data (HB651): Mexico (HB28), requiring time). For example, some legis- consider possible alternatives to requirements for saving energy. Improves water-data integra- lation didn’t pass but was heard state agencies to make sustain- their proposals before making a Electric-vehicle tion, transparency, and tools in committee and amended in ability, energy-efficiency and decision. Infrastructure (HB521): This for state water planning. Allows ways that make it stronger for climate-resiliency plans, died in Fracking moratorium clears the way for companies state agencies to collaborate on the future. And some compli- the Senate Finance Committee, (SB459): Would have stopped to install EV-charging stations water data. cated legislation requires a but sponsor Rep. Melanie fracking for four years while across New Mexico and Outdoor Recreation (SB462): multiyear process to engage Stansbury included a salary for state agencies studied the requires investor-owned utili- Creates an Office of Outdoor a chief sustainability officer in all stakeholders – especially ties to develop transportation impact of fracking on public Recreation and Outdoor the final budget, implementing this year, where agencies were electrification plans, increasing health and state waters and Equity Fund, as well as infra- key aspects of this bill. getting new cabinet secretaries access to EV-charging infra- land. Th was heard in Senate structure and plans for getting Solar Tax Credits (SB518): and new staff. structure in the state, a critical Conservation Committee but all New Mexico kids outside. A Additionally, legislators step in accelerating adoption of Restoring expired tax credits never voted on. huge deal for the future of New need processing time for new electric vehicles. The tax credit for residents and businesses HB220, amending the New Mexico tourism and for equity ideas. Your activism causes for buying EVs did not pass, who install solar, this bill sailed Mexico Water Quality Act to in outdoor recreation. the wheels of change to turn. but getting the infrastructure through committees only to clarify that groundwater-qual- Healthy Soil Act (HB204): That’s why the truly import- in place makes the path a lot stall out on the last day on the ity standards must be met ant work becomes following smoother for that legislation. Promotes soil-health steward- House floor due to Republican throughout the aquifer, there- up and building relationships Oil Conservation Division ship by creating a program to filibustering. Many posi- fore protecting all groundwater with your legislators – and, in Fees (SB553): This establishes provide ongoing trainings and tive bills died on the House in the state. It would have cases where minds cannot be rules to create a new schedule facilitate workshops, grants, calendar in the final day or so effectively overturned provisions changed, why elections are key. of administrative filing fees, and educating the public about because of this spiteful tactic. in the Martinez administration’s So what’s next? The interim application fees, and permit the importance of soil health Competitive procurement Copper Rule that gave mining legislative session starts in late fees, helping to increase badly stewardship. (SB456): SB456, which would companies a license to pollute summer, and I am looking needed funding to the Oil Solar Energy Improvement require utilities to issue requests groundwater. ahead at legislation we want to Conservation Division, which assessments (HB440): for proposals on all new energy HB255, amending the New support again — for example, regulates oil and gas drilling in Improves the framework for sources to ensure they are Mexico Mining Act to phase out community solar — and new New Mexico. counties and cities to work providing the lowest-cost solu- the use of risky corporate guar- legislation. Do you have ideas Produced Water and Oil together in order to pay the tions for new sources of elec- antees from affiliated companies for ways to improve our state Conservation Division fines upfront costs of for solar for tricity, was tabled by the Senate (such as parent corporations) law? Contact me at brittany. (HB546/SB186): HB546 individuals, which is then paid Corporations Committee. The as financial assurance to ensure [email protected]. pertained to liability and back through property tax Public Regulation Commission proper closure and reclamation jurisdiction for produced water. assessments. has an open inquiry on how of hard-rock mines. Celebrate! We were still evaluating the to require such competitive There isn’t room to list all Energy Transition Act implications of this bill when, Not yet: procurement of utilities. the important environmental (SB489): Forging a path for in a surprise late-session move, A few of the following Community Solar (HB210): legislation that passed or will the closure of the San Juan coal Senate Judiciary added in bills had a good chance to This legislation, which Rep. pass in the future. Persistence, plant, creating a safety net for language from SB186, a bill we become law this year, so their Patricia Roybal Caballero has preparation and strategy in the coal workers and the impacted had strongly supported which loss is disappointing, but our sponsored for several years, long term are key. We can and community and requiring died in committee. We strongly proactive new governor and would make solar accessible must use the power we have 100% carbon-free electricity by supported SB186 because it progressive freshman legislators and affordable to more New as constituents and voters to 2045 – making New Mexico restores the Oil Conservation produced a massive volume of Mexicans by clearing the way change our world. Southern New Mexico M.H. “Dutch” Salmon Governor vetoes March 30, 1945-March 10, 2019 diversion funds By Allyson Siwik the governor stated she will “end work on the Gila River Diversion n April 5, Gov. Project” given that “there is Michelle Lujan little to show for the millions of Grisham took a big dollars spent on staff, lawyers and Ostep toward protecting the wild studies” with only one year left Gila River when she vetoed to secure approval of the project. $1.698 million in funding She supported use of the Arizona requested by the Interstate Water Settlements Act funds for Stream Commission for diver- conservation projects. sion planning and design. We encourage Gov. Lujan A hearty thank-you to the Grisham to take the additional governor for taking this major steps to finally end work on this step forward to fulfill her pledge wasteful diversion project and to end work on the Gila River instead fund community water diversion project. projects to ensure a secure water In her plan for managing the supply for everyone in south- state’s water, released last year, west New Mexico.

Cherie Salmon Club sues to stop Dutch Salmon, who died in March at 73, was a co-founder of the Gila Conservation Coalition as well as an author, fisherman and homesteader. Southern NM wall By Kurt Anderson Conservationist, Sourthern NM Group Southern NM A brief update on issues Group contacts the Southern New Mexico is Chair and Outings: Gila River champion involved in: Howie Dash, howiedash@ The Wall: A Department aol.com, 575-652-7550 of Homeland Security docu- Wilderness areas. 1983 trip down the Gila River Treasurer: Cheryll Blevins, Allyson Siwik ment revealed in late March Dutch and his fellow advo- from the headwaters at Bead [email protected], Gila Conservation requests for billions of dollars cates were successful in defeat- Spring to Safford, Ariz., with 575-524-4861 Coalition in military funds to build new ing the Hooker and Conner his dog and his cat. Secretary and Wildlife: he conservation border walls as part of the dams and Mangas diversion in Dedicating his life to Mary Katherine Ray, community lost Trump Administration’s emer- the 1980s and 1990s, closed conservation and environ- [email protected], one of its long-time gency declaration at the border. the San Francisco River to mental protection, Dutch 575-772-5655, heroes in March According to the document, 213 motorized-vehicle use, and also served on the boards Political: Kurt Anderson, with the passing of M.H. T also kept the East Fork of the of the Quivira Coalition, miles of new and replacement [email protected], ”Dutch” Salmon at 73 after a Gila River closed to motor- New Mexico Wildlife walls, floodlights and surveil- [email protected], 575-646- brief illness. ized vehicles. Since 2001, he Federation, New Mexico lance equipment are planned 1032 Dutch’s storied career had been a leader in the fight Wilderness Coalition, Water for the “El Paso sector” in New Mary Hotvedt: maryhot- spanned more than 35 years against the current Gila diver- Dialogue and Gila Resources Mexico (Luna, Hidalgo, and [email protected] in the Southwest. His profes- sion threat under the Arizona Information Project. He was Doña Ana counties). Nate Cote: nathan- sional and personal pursuits Water Settlements Act. also a member of the New Southern New Mexico Sierra [email protected] were many: author, publisher, His books and innumerable Mexico Interstate Stream Club members are acting as hunter, fisherman, home- declarants in the Club’s legal magazine and newspaper arti- Commission and the New guest of honor and spoke about steader, and conservationist. case against Trump’s emergency cles have been an inspiration Mexico Game Commission. the Act. Dutch’s name is synonymous declaration. to many far and wide who Dutch’s steadfast commit- Lincoln National Forest: The with the Gila Conservation have shared in his love for ment to the protection of the Monuments: The Sierra Club 45-day notice/comment period Coalition, the organization he New Mexico’s last free-flowing Gila River and his unending co-sponsored the March 21 cele- co-founded and chaired for river and our state’s special love for our wild river and bration of the recently passed for the South Sacramento more than 35 years to protect natural places. People have wild places have been an federal wilderness designations Restoration Draft Environmental the free flow of the Gila and lived vicariously through his inspiration to all of us. He in the Organ Mountains Desert Impact Statement was initiated San Francisco rivers and the writings of his many adven- will be remembered always Peaks Monument (see Page 6) March 15. The project website is wilderness characteristics of tures, including the book Gila for his tireless work to protect that was held at La Cueva picnic www.fs.usda.gov/project/? the Gila and Aldo Leopold Descending about his epic and conserve New Mexico’s area. Sen. Tom Udall was the project=51146 Sierra Club awaits legal ruling on Holtec nuke site By Patricia Cardona — Reactor communities in states like a Texas site about 40 miles from the tions raised by Sierra Club to the Holtec Nuclear-Waste Team California and New York are creating New Mexico site. For several years, the and WCS licenses) until a permanent The Rio Grande Chapter is engaged in the Citizen Advisory process for decom- Senate has supported funding for interim storage site is secured. many activities regarding nuclear energy missioning plants. The utilities and the storage and the House has not, so no The Sierra Club Nuclear Waste Task and storage: citizen advisory boards are lobbying their funding has been provided. However, Force is vigilant about these issues. — We are waiting for the Nuclear elected officials to remove their waste more House members, especially from However, we need our members’ Regulatory Commission’s Panel of Judges from their communities. California, are now supporting funding economic support for staff, expenses, to determine which of the 89 legal issues — In April and May, the House and for consolidated storage. and litigation costs to stop high-level raised by our attorney, Wally Taylor, will Senate Appropriations Committees will It is important that New Mexico’s radioactive waste from all the nation’s be considered as part of the licensing of be writing energy and water appropri- congresspeople, especially Rep. Ben Ray nuclear reactors from being imported the consolidated storage site proposed by ations bills for Fiscal Year 2020. The Lujan, because of his leadership position, into New Mexico. Our state has done Holtec in the Carlsbad/Hobbs area. A Trump administration budget includes advocate for no funding for consoli- its fair share in carrying the coun- decision is expected in May. $9.9 million to support consolidated dated storage. Sen. Tom Udall is on the try’s radiation burden with the Waste — A second set of public meetings on interim storage and $106 million for the Appropriations Committee. Please ask Isolation Pilot Plant, the waste stored the content of the draft Enviromental proposed Yucca Mountain repository in them to continue to oppose funding. at Los Alamos, and Trinity-test down- Impact Statement is expected to be held Nevada. There are only two sites being Existing law does not allow the winders. Enough is Enough. Basta ya. in the fall in Roswell, Hobbs, Carlsbad, considered for interim storage licens- Department of Energy to support Go to bit.ly/nonukedump to donate. Albuquerque, and Gallup. ing: the New Mexico site (Holtec) and interim storage (one of the legal objec- Thank you! 100 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2019 Energy PNM may join energy market By Chuck Noble Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy On Aug. 22, PNM filed a request with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission asking for approval to make expenditures necessary for it to join the Energy Imbalance Market (EIM). The Energy Imbalance Market is a real-time energy-trading market that allows participat- ing utilities to sell excess energy into a broad market, or to purchase from that market as needed at market prices. Participation in it will allow PNM, and all the utilities who participate, to integrate higher levels of renew- able generation on their systems, because Nathalie Eddy/Earthworks they will be able to readily sell excess wind or New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard looks through an infrared camera to view leaks of methane solar generation rather than curtail it. They and volatile organic compounds from oil and gas operations in southern New Mexico. will also be able to purchase energy when it is cheaper than their own production costs. As a result utilities will be able to integrate higher percentages of renewable, sustainable gener- Up close and sickening ation in their resource portfolios, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions throughout the By Nathalie Eddy Our tour with Commissioner number of sites where we all smelled West. Eight western utilities are members of the market, and five more are going through Earthworks NM Field Advocate strong, gassy odors and often experi- Garcia Richard was the steps necessary to join. arlsbad, NM — In late enced headaches and nausea. PNM expects a net benefit of $15.1 million March, New Mexico Land particularly alarming in “We have viewed methane emissions over the first five years of participation, which Commissioner Stephanie as a lost revenue stream for our school terms of the emissions and would benefit customers. The Coalition Garcia Richard used optical children, but they also pose significant the number of sites where for Clean Affordable Energy, Western Grid gas imaging to see normally invisible public health and safety issues for our C Group, Natural Resources Defense Council, air pollution from oil and gas opera- we all smelled strong, gassy communities,” Commissioner Garcia Union of Concerned Scientists, Western tions in New Mexico’s Permian Basin Richard said. “We’ve minimized the odors and often experienced Resource Advocates and Interwest Energy with Earthworks. environmental impacts for far too long Alliance supported PNM joining the market. Our latest fieldwork in the Permian headaches and nausea. and have missed repeated opportunities In its request, PNM asked for a finding was another round of intense and to pass meaningful regulation to stop shocking pollution from all types of methane leaks and waste. With the from the PRC that it is reasonable to join oil and gas sites — from brand-new to emissions of health-harming volatile impacts of climate change knocking on the EIM and expend necessary funds to do ancient facilities, from major operators organic compounds and climate our door, now is the time to act. My so. Unfortunately, though the Commission to small independents, from public pollutants like methane from the latest office is committed to working with approved PNM’s request to set up a regulatory (both federal and state) and private oil and gas boom. industry to find proactive solutions asset for future cost recovery, the commission’s lands. I can’t believe the growth in oil and while fighting to guarantee that real order did not state that it would be reasonable Our group visited 12 sites on state gas drilling I witnessed in just the last actions are taken to solve this crisis.” for PNM to make the necessary expenditures lands. Garcia Richard was joined by 12 months. More new sites are getting Earthworks uses the same FLIR to join the EIM. As a result, PNM could not Assistant Commissioner of Mineral drilled near homes and farms just south GF320 camera that regulators and be assured of cost recovery and is expected to Resources Jordan Kessler and Assistant of Carlsbad, and more of our public oil and gas operators use to find and ask the commission to reconsider its decision. Commissioner of Surface Resources lands are being drilled farther south document pollution at wells and facil- Without some indication that it will be able Howard Gross. of Carlsbad (just to the east of the ities. Our thermographers have taken to recover its costs, PNM may be unwilling to Our group experienced sore throats, Caverns). industry-standard training to interpret make the investment. nausea and headaches as they recorded Following our day in the field with the images. The camera detects 20 The actions of public utilities are often video evidence of air pollution. Commissioner Garcia Richard, we climate- and health-harming pollutants adverse to our goals of increasing clean Optical gas imaging videos from sites returned to sites south of Carlsbad on associated with oil and gas, including energy and reducing emissions from fossil operated by Devon Energy, Concho federal BLM lands where new drilling methane, a climate pollutant 86 times fuel. However, when a utility acts consis- Resources and Oxy USA and images recently took off. Our thermographer, more powerful than carbon dioxide, tently with our environmental goals, we of the group in the field are available Sharon, and I found unlit flares, open and other volatile organic compounds believe it is important to support that effort, for download at earthworks.org. and/or leaking thief hatches, and leaks like benzene, a known carcinogen. just as we oppose efforts that are adverse to This was my fifth time in the New at most sites. A full list of our findings are avail- our goals. In this case, we support a finding Mexico Permian working with an Our tour with Commissioner able on YouTube at bit.ly/CEP-NM. by the commission that it is reasonable for Earthworks ITC-certified thermog- Garcia Richard was particularly alarm- For more information, please contact PNM to make the necessary expenditures to rapher to expose the all-too-common ing in terms of the emissions and the me at [email protected]. join the EIM. Navajo Nation drops bid to buy coal plant and mine By Diné CARE, Tó Nizhóní Ání and Nation’s current energy policies, which are focused on hold back. This moment is why our new council and Black Mesa Water Coalition coal, and replacing them with a vision that “declares president were elected. The legacy they will leave for the intention of the Nation to move beyond coal the transition from coal starts now.” n March 21, the Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee source revenues and forward to sustainable and renew- (Committee of the Whole) of the Navajo “This is an important time to remember that vast able energy sources.” Council voted down a resolution to support resources were once spent to install coal operations Groups that have spent many years fighting for a ONavajo Transitional Energy Co.’s proposal to buy on Navajo Nation, and that vast wealth and bene- sustainable future free of coal called the defeat and and operate Navajo Generating Station and Peabody fit was extracted for decades over the heads of so new legislation “historic developments.” many Navajo communities,” said Percy Deal, former Energy’s Kayenta coal mine, which supplies the power “It’s been known for a long time that coal isn’t the Navajo Council member and former Navajo County plant. future, but this final certainty is crucial,” said Diné Supervisor. “Remembering this past shows the path The 11-9 defeat of the resolution led to an CARE’s Lori Goodman. “For anyone who’s been ahead: full corporate responsibility for affected coal announcement by Navajo Transitional Energy Corp. hesitant about moving strongly for renewable energy workers, full restoration of damaged land and water, that it was dropping its bid to buy the plant and mine. development, for building our economy in ways that and full commitment now from utilities to be custom- With the legislation’s defeat, new legislation was will benefit our communities and our Mother Earth ers for clean energy resources from Navajo land in introduced that proposes rescinding the Navajo and Father Sky, now there is no reason or excuse to ways that benefit Navajo people.” April/May/June 2019 Rio Grande Sierran 11 Northern New Mexico Group Where the wind blows no good

By Teresa Seamster, Counselor 80 respondents were asked Health Impact Assessment to indicate if they lived within Committee 5 miles or within sight, hearing he strong winds of spring usually bring clear, warming or smell of wells (84%) or gas skies and the “breath” of new and oil pipelines (66%). growth and green grass to the Respondents then recorded Thigh desert of the San Juan Basin. This past year, the odor of new drill- all the health symptoms they ing rigs and flaring stacks blew across experienced in the past year. the central grasslands of the Navajo Nation Counselor Chapter, next door to Chaco Culture National Historical Short-term exposure to VOCs can Park, and started moving down the cause eye and respiratory-tract irrita- U.S. 550 highway corridor toward the tion, headaches, dizziness, visual disor- Navajo chapters of Ojo Encino and ders, fatigue, loss of coordination, aller- Torreon. gic skin reaction, nausea, and memory The Counselor air-monitoring team, impairment or inability to concentrate. Samuel Sage, Kendra Pinto, Marlene Long-term effects include loss of coordi- Thomas, Mario Atencio, Dr. Val nation and damage to the liver, kidney, Wangler and I, hit the road in early and central nervous system. April 2018, delivering air monitors All the above symptoms caused by to community residents interested in short-term exposure to volatile organic measuring their local air quality and compounds were recorded by the taking a survey to identify if their health majority of Counselor residents who symptoms were similar to residents Above: Of the 20 symptoms listed in a health survey taken by Navajo Counselor participated in community health of other oil and gas communities. Six surveys conducted from May through homeowners, a resident church minis- Chapter members, 80% of respondents said they experienced sore throat, cough, headache, sleep change, fatigue, burning eyes, sinus problems and joint pain. August 2018 by the Counselor Health try, and the Chapter House participated Impact Assessment Committee. in the project. In May, the monitors 80 respondents were asked to indicate were picked up and shipped to the if they lived “near” (within 5 miles) or Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental within sight, hearing or smell of wells Health Project for downloading and (84%) or gas and oil pipelines (66%). analysis by Celia Lewis, Ph.D., and Sujit Joginpally, M.D., members of Respondents then recorded all the the project team. These results have health symptoms they experienced in been compared to others that the the past year since drilling began “near” Health Project has reviewed in commu- their home. nities near shale gas and oil opera- Of Counselor’s population of 700 tions in New York, Ohio, California members, 11% percent participated and Pennsylvania. The results from in the health survey. Out of the 20 Counselor were different in several ways listed symptoms, 80% of respondents and showed overall higher levels. said they experienced sore throat, When the team members were asked cough, headache, sleep change, fatigue, to give some of the reasons for the burning eyes, sinus problems and higher levels of both PM2.5 (particulate joint pain. Surveys conducted by the matter in the air that are 2.5 microns in Environmental Health Project nation- size) and formaldehyde, they replied: ally in similar communities showed less “Many homes in Counselor are than 50% of respondents reported these located closer than a mile to one or Teresa Seamster same symptoms. more operating oil and gas wells. The An active well stack flares methane and other volatile organic compounds in The Counselor Health-Impact recommended setback distance between Counselor Chapter. Many Counselor residents live within a half-mile of fracking Assessment is a community project occupied structures and wells is now wells. The Health Impact Committee tested air quality at eight homes for 32 days. undertaken to provide local data and 6,600 feet, or 1¼ mile. Many homes to answer local questions about how are “downwind” of wells that emit vola- blood samples must be taken within Exposure Limits” except for formal- safe the open air is and what is causing tile organic compounds (VOCs) and hours of the onset of a symptom. Most dehyde, which was at elevated levels the increase in health complaints and formaldehyde, which can be formed communities have no facility that can (requiring mitigation) at all sites. chronic illness. What it tells us is that from methane emissions in the presence provide this highly specialized blood emissions are constantly changing, and of sunlight. Counselor has areas of open test, and residents who cannot take time Impacts from long-term if you average contaminant levels over plains with numerous homes situated to take a sample are unable to provide a day, you will miss the high and more where the wind tends to blow towards chemical exposure this crucial evidence if they try to file a dangerous peak levels of emissions. the houses from a nearby pollution When a source of air pollution is formal complaint. For instance, over a 24-hour period source. On sunny days with no wind, nearby, high levels of PM 2.5 and form- There are some 600 chemicals that recorded on P567, the average particu- pollutants will rise quickly upward away aldehyde combined with varying levels late exposure was 29 ug/m3, but there from houses. On cloudy days with no can be used in the production of gas of VOCs can cause increased health was a period just before dawn that was wind, pollutants move and mix slowly and oil, and sites can use different symptoms in residents. Chemicals 398 ug/m3 — high enough to cause an with the air, keeping emissions closer to types of chemicals and combinations. from the source may combine with the asthma attack. the ground and more hazardous for resi- However, there are several pollutants particulate matter and travel to the deep A young father-to-be asked at a dents. On windy days (over 12 mph), common to unconventional oil and gas regions of the lungs to cause respiratory pollutants from nearby wells can reach development, such as volatile organic problems or gain access to other parts of chapter meeting before the monitoring downwind homes quickly, staying in a compounds, PM2.5, and formaldehyde. the body through blood-gas exchange. started: “How is our younger generation concentrated plume, before chemicals The Environmental Health Project Inhalation of toxic particles is the going to survive? Is the open air going can disperse.” uses these three as “indicators” because most common form of exposure and to be safe? Will it cause birth defects or The highest concentrations of scientists have measured and estimated has the greatest impacts on the head not?” This report attempts to answer polluted air were recorded at a home on the amounts of these chemicals emitted and respiratory system. Children are these questions and many others, and to an open sagebrush flat about a quarter from unconventional oil and gas devel- more severely affected as they have reveal how little is yet known about gas of a mile from an active oil well. Wind opment sources. If these indicators are higher respiratory rates and breathe in and oil development’s ultimate impacts directions show hazardous concentra- present in air samples, it is likely that more toxins per pound of body weight on human health and the environment. tions of pollutants (in red) blowing other chemicals of concern are present. than adults. Their brains are still devel- Greater setbacks, monitoring, and from the southwest and southeast. The air samples were tested for 125 oping, and many toxic volatile organic prompt treatment of acute symptoms Evidence of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Three VOCs were detected compounds are known to interfere with can help residents now, but the long- levels of VOC concentrations is very on May 23 and seven on May 30, 2018. developmental processes within the term damage and cost to these lives are short-lived in the bloodstream, and All chemical levels were at “Permissible brain. yet to be reckoned. 12 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2019 Northern New Mexico Volunteer profile: David McGahey

Each issue we feature volunteers who contribute to the Rio Grande Chapter in different ways. David McGahey has been photographing events for us since 2016. You can see many of his photos around this issue. 1. What is your volunteer role with the Rio Grande Chapter? I photograph various Sierra Club events for social media sharing, press releases, and the chapter newsletter. in the Adirondacks and other Photos by Miya King-Flaherty 2. What do you do for a living? upstate New York locations. Participants held a peaceful event at the Sante Fe BLM headquarters to protest thousands of I’m mostly retired from a After college, a couple classmates acres in Greater Chaco and Greater Carlsbad being leased for expanded oil and gas development. position as a product manager in and I drove a beat-up van on a a technology company north of summer-long camping tour of Boston, although I continue to the western U.S., where I gained blog on technology topics for my an appreciation for the variety Greater Chaco former employer. and vast size of our national land- 3. How did you get involved scape. with the Sierra Club/Rio Grande Chapter? 6. What do you like best about volunteering? My wife and I are both orig- parcels spared, sold It feels like we’re actually inally from New York state and relocated to Santa Fe in 2016. making a difference! I also enjoy By Miya King-Flaherty I was a long-time member the camaraderie with other chap- Our Wild New Mexico organizer of the Sierra Club chapter in ter members and friends. n February, and only days before the New England and transferred 7. What’s your favorite envi- start of the 10-day protest period to my membership here, then ronmental memory/story about oppose another selloff of lands in the responded to a request for volun- volunteering.? Greater Chaco region, the Bureau of Land teers in the first chapter newslet- Most recently, I was very proud IManagement Farmington Field office removed ter I received. to be asked to shoot for the Sierra nine parcels (about 1,500 acres) from this 4. What are some of your year’s March lease sale. hobbies/favorite things to do? Club in the Governor’s office for the energy proclamation on However, this move is perplexing, because Outdoor landscape photog- January 29. it is the third time in two years that the office raphy, especially of the many has nominated parcels within close proximity dramatic locations in the western 8. What would you tell some- to Chaco Culture National Historical Park Chaco Coalition groups presented 33,000 one who would like to get protest comments to the BLM. states. I am also on the board of only to pull them before the sale. Although directors of the Santa Fe affiliate involved but doesn’t know how? some parcels in the region have been spared were sold in the Greater Chaco and Greater of Habitat for Humanity. Follow the Rio Grande from development, the Bureau of Land Carlsbad regions. In protest, the Sierra Club, 5. Why do you care about the Chapter website and on social Management has still not completed a thor- along with allies and members of the Chaco environment? media and just jump in when ough cultural review or analysis of cultural Coalition, peacefully demonstrated in front I grew up hiking and camping you have a chance. resources in the region — the reason former of the BLM state headquarters striking for the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke deferred the climate, while drawing connections between March 2018 lease sale. oil and gas leasing and climate change. Meanwhile, the neighboring BLM Rio The lease sale also included some parcels Northern New Mexico Group Contacts Puerco Field Office has started up its oil and in Oklahoma. In all, the sale resulted in an Executive Committee Zero Waste: Joe Eigner, 505- gas leasing program. Both offices are still in anemic $15 million — nearly half of what the 570-0583, [email protected]; the process of updating their regional Resource December 2018 auction drew. Chair: Teresa Seamster, Karen Sweeney, 505-466-9797, Management Plans, which fail to account for 505-466-8964, Although the lease sales have been relentless, [email protected] the cumulative impacts of multi-stage horizon- 2019 presents new opportunities to address the [email protected] Vice chair: Tom Gorman, tal drilling and hydraulic fracking. impacts of fracking in the Greater Chaco region. Other responsibilities During the Obama Administration, BLM 505-438-3932, gormantd@ Newly elected New Mexico Land Commissioner gmail.com New Mexico offices rotated their quarterly lease Stephanie Garcia Richard announced on Public Treasurer: Jim Baker, Chapter Representative: sales so that each office was responsible for hold- Lands Day that she plans to issue an executive 505-473-0457, bakerjim.sw@ Tom Gorman ing at least one lease sale a year. Since the Trump order for a moratorium on leasing state trust gmail.com Membership: Alice Cox Administration has taken over, development on lands in Greater Chaco. She is working closely Alice Cox: 505-780-5122, Volunteers: Open [email protected] public lands has become a priority and now each with the Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council Office: Jerry Knapczyk BLM office is under pressure to hold four lease Paul Paryski, pparyski@aol. Governors, community leaders, environmental Outings: Alan Shapiro, 505-424- sales a year. Furthermore, the formal period to com groups, and congressional delegates to ensure 9242, [email protected] protest and comment on the lease sales has been that cultural and pristine resources on state trust Sandrine Gaillard, sandrine. [email protected] substantially reduced from 30 to 10 days. lands are protected from expanded development. Phone Support: Jerry Knapczyk Shane Woolbright, 405-323- On Feb. 20, environmental and indigenous At her Green New Deal town hall, U.S. Publicity: Open 2569, [email protected] grassroots groups, tribal leaders, and allies Rep. recognized the work of Book Sales: Janet Peacock Joseph Eigner: joseigner@ rallied together with hunters and anglers at the 505-988-8929, sfdayhikes@ the Greater Chaco coalition and committed gmail.com Roundhouse on Public Lands Day to celebrate to working with tribal leaders to address the gmail.com. the value of public lands and highlight how impacts of expanded oil and gas development in Conservation Sales backup: Ann Anthony, oil and gas development impacts the environ- the region. Chair: Tom Gorman [email protected], 505-795- ment, public health and safety, and cultural On April 9, Haaland, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Public lands: Tom Gorman, 7472. Hiking book: Aku resources. Feb. 20 also marked the end of the Lujan and U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Teresa Seamster Oppenheimer 10-day protest period for the March lease sale. Heinrich re-introduced federal legislation to Water: John Buchser, 505-820- Book mailings: Gail Bryant, Environmental, citizen and indigenous grass- protect the Greater Chaco area. The Chaco 0201, [email protected] 505-757-6654. roots groups collected more than 33,000 protest Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019 Wildlife: Teresa Seamster comments that we hand-delivered to the BLM is a much-improved version from the 2018 Solarize Santa Fe: Sandrine Regional Contacts state office in Sante Fe. Food and Water Watch original, acknowledging the Greater Chaco Gaillard, sandrine.gaillard@ Las Vegas: Joann Sprenger, submitted more than 27,000 protests, help- landscape spanning four states, affirming the gmail.com 505-454-0551, gisprenger@ ing to triple the 10,000 protests opposing the need for meaningful tribal consultation, calls Energy Team: Shane Woolbright, December 2018 lease sale. for additional public health measures, and 505-474-2870, mesoinc@hotmail. cybermesa.com The BLM did press forward with the expands the mineral withdrawal to include com; Elliot Stern, 505-989-9486, Taos: Eric Patterson, 575-776- March 28 lease sale. In all, 37 parcels of land additional oil and gas leases. [email protected] 2833, [email protected] April/May/June 2019 Rio Grande Sierran 13 Pajarito Group Zero Waste efforts all over Los Alamos By Jody Benson Pajarito Group chair Pajarito Group hile the whole world Directory lives in the whiplash of the American adminis- http://pajarito.riograndesierra- tration’s moods — while club.org/node/13 POTUSW is like the kid pulling the cloth Executive Committee off the Thanksgiving table, ruining everybody’s hard work just to be the Chair:/Secretary: Jody Benson, center of attention — Los Alamos is [email protected], 505/662- working to create a sustainable commu- 4782 nity. Howard Barnum, hnbarnum@ The Los Alamos County aol.com Environmental Sustainability Board Cheryl Bell, bellrancho@gmail. created a Zero Waste Team to help com, 505/672-9655 reduce, reuse, and recycle all the trash Iris Chung, itlchung@hotmail. in town. A lot of Pajarito Group com members are on that Team. Michael DiRosa, mddbbm@ Here’s what’s going on: gmail.com The bag-free effort: Los Alamos Nona Girardi, [email protected] High School EcoClub leaders and Carene Larmat, carenelarmat@ members of the Zero Waste Team met gmail.com, 505/920-5675 with local Smiths manager Isaac Chavez to discuss banning the bag — as well as Committee Chairs decreasing food waste — at Smiths. Bag Ban; Treasurer: Mark Jones, Kroger has a corporate goal of [email protected], 505/662- zero waste by 2025 in both food and Paulina Burnside 9443 single-use plastic shopping bags. The Los Alamos High School students took part in the worldwide Climate Strike in Conservation: Michael DiRosa, second-largest general retailer in the March. The LAHS EcoClub is helping to establish local governmental policy. They nation realized that their responsibility [email protected] say: “Change is coming, whether we like it or not.” to the Earth also helps their bottom Endangered Species/Wildlife: line. proposed food-waste composting; for Cheryl Bell, bellrancho@gmail. Although this is a stated goal, the now, if you have pigs, goats, or chick- Meetings and events com, 505/672-9655. only food-zero-waste locations are ens, you can arrange with a restaurant Global Warming: Charles Keller, The Pajarito Group is partner- in Kroger Headquarters towns — to pick up their food waste. Many want [email protected], 505/662- Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, where the county to re-offer energy audits to ing with Pajarito Environmental 7915 churches and local service organizations give them a measure of current energy Education Center, 2600 Canyon Mining: David Torney, dtorney@ created food banks to which Kroger use as a baseline for comparing prog- Road, for our Sierra Club presen- valornet.com, 575/829-3433 stores donate the food. ress. tations. Newsletter editor, Publicity, As for the bag, corporate Kroger says, As for food waste, most don’t have Do you have one you’d like to Sprawl, Transportation: Jody much uneaten portions, but if there “The best partner is the customer as give? We know many of you do Benson, [email protected], we ease the transition” to reusables. “It were, they’d like a service organization amazing science, exotically travel, 505/662-4782 will take customer education.” Neither or church to arrange for daily food Open Spaces, Caldera Issues: pickup. Currently one Los Alamos hike remarkably, and can name Los Alamos Smiths has the guidance Howard Barnum, hnbarnun@aol. Living Treasure picks up leftover Ruby every New Mexico bird, or have or resources to initiate the zero-waste com program. It’s up to us to help bring the K bagels for the High School. other skills that could be shared. Water Issues: Barbara Calef, vision to Los Alamos. Restaurants want: more recycle Do you want to tell us about it? [email protected], 505/662-3825 To those ends, the LAHS EcoClub dumpsters more conveniently located; Contact Jody Benson. She’ll put Mailing Address: 520 Navajo plans to help educate shoppers about cardboard recycle for every business; you on the summer/fall schedule. the absolute stupidity of using life-suf- near-site glass recycling for bars; and Road, Los Alamos, NM, 87544 focating plastic. The Pajarito Group can more frequent pickup of all recycling. help with providing reusable bags to The county charges for recycling; program by exchanging disposable include requirements for sustainability. the students in their campaign. And of dedication to green costs the business Styrofoam trays and plastic single-use The initial investment to implement course you can help by (1) eschewing money. utensils for reusables, and providing green cafeterias in every school would plastic bags (if you forget them, just Plastic/disposables waste? Blue recycling and compost bins. Most be approximately $200,000 for dish- roll the loose stuff in your cart to your Window owner Melissa Paternoster has importantly, their teachers and students washers and reusable serving items. car), and (2) reminding people why recommendations for restaurant manag- volunteer at trash stations to sort waste, Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus is they need to extinct the bag before bags ers. Starting with education, reduction, reduce contamination and promote definitely on board, but — it’s always extinct everything else. and replacing plastic with biodegrad- diversion. the money thing. We supporters can As for food waste? If you are part of ables: (1) proper food purchasing, (2) Other schools want this model. It help find money lacking in the schools a church or service organization with attention to portions, (3) menu flexi- requires champions, education, and the budget to initiate the program. leadership to sustain the program. ideas for distributing the waste, contact bility to repurpose tomorrow what isn’t Los Alamos High School: Students are Los Alamos Middle School Green Jody Benson and the Zero Waste Team cooked today, (4) no unrequested straws working Big Picture through estab- Earth Club: to brainstorm your ideas. (so far, any straw solution costs five- The eighth-grade Green lishing governmental policy. They say: Restaurants: The team visited many times more than plastic), (5) biodegrad- Earth Club members have plans — “Change is coming, whether we like it of the 26 Los Alamos/White Rock able takeout boxes and utensils, and ask make the LAMS cafeteria waste-free: or not.” restaurants to understand how to help if the patron needs utensils. (7) Initiate (1) stop using disposable food trays, reduce (primarily) food waste. Again, the county-wide composting ASAP. plates, cutlery, (2) initiate recycling, (3) In everything we do, from reducing the monetary bottom line compels Restaurants would like a county-spe- eliminate bottled water. These GEC consumption to establishing smart restaurants to order food and measure cific Green Restaurant Certificate to goals were, in fact, what initiated the building codes to establishing life-sup- portions for least waste, but many announce their commitment to the county’s involvement with the schools. porting global energy policy, let’s make would also like to both donate food and expensive, complicated, and strenuous Their sponsor called for mentors; the this change one that values life over to compost. requirements of being an Earth-friendly ESB’s Schools Team showed up; the corporate profit, because we all agree, All businesses (and, dare we add, eatery. team heard the goals and took them to the lives of these kids are worth the households?) need education as to Fast-food restaurants? The team didn’t county and schools leadership. effort. Along with The Bag Ban, they’re what’s recyclable and what’s not. As tackle any yet. But we can bring our Consciousness is rising faster than joining millions of students worldwide Tiffany Pagoda says, “Wish-cycling is own kit with cup, plate, cutlery, and global warming. Chartwells, the to tell governments The Time is Now. not recycling!” Just because you want leftovers box everywhere. contractor for all the schools’ cafeterias, You. Do you want to get involved something to be recyclable doesn’t Schools: Kids in all the schools say “Yes please! We very much want in zero waste, plant a tree, lead a hike, mean it is. “When in doubt, throw it understand that there is no Planet B. to go green — we already serve the write an article, teach a kid? Contact out” rather than contaminate the entire Elementary schools: Chamisa in Chamisa Green Team cafeteria!” But, any of the Pajarito Group (see box). We recycle stream. White Rock is the Green Team Queen. for the Chamisa model to be every- will join you with your life-changing, Restaurants are eager for the county’s They revamped their entire lunch where, the schools-wide contract must life-enhancing project.

14 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2019 Outings Leader Summit! Mark your calendar! If you are ing light trail maintenance and a current or prospective Sierra trash pickup in the Albuquerque Club outings leader or you’re Open Space. curious about what being an After lunch, we’ll be meet- outings leader entails, we hope ing at the Open Space Visitors you’ll join us on May 4 for a Center for networking, a Sierra Club Outings Leader refresher on wilderness first aid Summit. and tools to help plan safe, fun Outings leaders from across and inspiring outings. the entire Rio Grande Chapter Contact Terry Owen, are encouraged to attend. 505-301-4349, or teowen@ Beginning at 8:30 a.m., we’ll comcast.net no later than May 1 start by giving back by perform- to RSVP. Hikes and Events continued from Page 16 Outings updates Hikers from Santa Fe can Clara Grebel (front row, right, in straw hat) found a welcoming group on her first hike with Northern New Mexico meet the group at the trailhead www. Excursiones a la Naturaleza, the Rio Grande Chapter’s Spanish-language outings program. outings Meetup site: before or at 9:30 a.m. Contact meetup.com/Santa-Fe- the hike leader telephonically Sierra-Club-Outings/ or by text no later than June 5 Albuquerque Meetup: to RSVP. Seniors, please bring www.meetup.com/Sierra- My first Excursion your National Park passes. Club-Rio-Grande-Chapter/. Please no dogs or children. Know before you go: For Trip leader: Diane, (505) Clara Grebel status of fire restrictions Since moving to Albuquerque 917-0556 Excursionista and burn bans across New around a year ago, I have tried Location: north of Santa Fe t all started at the library, where I saw Mexico, visit firerestric- Sunday, June 9. Excursiones tions.us/nm. Updates are a flyer announcing an excursion to the to find a hiking group without moderate hike to Embudito Piedras Marcadas Canyon; intriguingly, it also in our weekly email; much luck. Sometimes they Canyon loop trail. 8 a.m. to was written both in Spanish and English. send an email to Listserv@ noon, off Montgomery in the lists.sierraclub.org with Since moving to Albuquerque around a year focus on strenuous hikes; I Sandia Foothills. We will walk any subject and a message ago, I have tried to find a hiking group without sometimes they hike too far as much as the group chooses, that says SUBSCRIBE much luck. Sometimes they focus on strenuous then back. Fantastic & magical RIO-NORTH-OUTINGS. hikes (I am in not-so-stellar shape); sometimes from where I live. spot. Adventurous children they hike too far from where I live. And almost welcome. No dogs please. always they meet at the trailhead; without a car, Cecilia welcomed us all warmly, and effort- Facebook. and given how limited public transportation is over 16 years of age only and no lessly switched from English to Spanish when Trip leader: Cecilia, cecilia. in Albuquerque, this is hard for me to do. dogs, please. Contact leader no providing information or requesting feedback, [email protected], later than June 18 to RSVP and But the excursion sounded so appealing thus keeping everybody in the loop. (505) 319 7556 obtain recommended gear list. that I contacted the organizer, Cecilia Chávez The petroglyphs, carved by ancestral Location: Albuquerque area Trip leader: Terry Owen, Beltrán, and explained my predicament. She Puebloans and others, captured our imagina- kindly offered to give me a ride, and so I found Saturday, June 22. Easy 505-301-4349, teowen@ tion, their meaning unclear but haunting. We myself at the Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail on early-summer hike in the comcast.net spied rabbits and hawks, and gazed in awe at a Saturday morning. Bosque. We’ll enjoy a leisurely Location: Taos area the Sandia Mountains across the river. Ancient I have hiked with other groups before—I walk on a trail that is flat and lived for many years in Portland and Seattle, history and austere natural beauty, intertwined fairly even that will take about July where hiking is very popular—and my fellow in this park, invited us to go deep and leave our 1.5 hours. Meet at 8:30 at the Saturday, July 13. Moderate/ hikers had been … not very diverse. But this busy city lives behind for a while. “This message tree sculpture garden just off the strenuous hike at high alti- group included people of color, people who is for you,” the petroglyphs seemed to whisper. Montaño Bridge on the west side tude in the San Pedro Parks only spoke Spanish, young and young at heart, Transformed, we circled back to the trailhead of the Rio Grande (turnoff is just region traveling past the San and people who, like me, weren’t wearing after a couple of hours and said goodbye— before Coors if you’re going west Gregorio Reservoir, crossing expensive outfits. hopefully, hasta la vista. on Montano). Bring water, hat, creeks, and through evergreen snacks, sunscreen, and favorite and aspen forests, marshes, summer poem to share! and open areas. Meet at 6:45 Military Outdoors Program wants you! Trip leader: Margaret, a.m. at North Domingo Baca [email protected] Multigenerational Center By Terry Owen bring; offer tips on how you ture gardens. Location: Albuquerque located at 7521 Carmel Ave. Military Outings Program should prepare and how to Upcoming events include Saturday, June 22. Strenuous NE in Albuquerque to leave chair maximize your enjoyment by easy hikes in the Albuquerque hike of Wheeler Peak. Join the promptly at 7:00 a.m. Drive re you a military moving efficiently and safely. Open Space, full-moon night Sierra Club Military Outdoors time to the trailhead will be 2 veteran or on active Co-chair and former U.S. hikes and an opportunity to Program to climb the tallest hours. The in-and-out hike will duty or in the reserves Air Force physician John Link climb the highest peak in New peak in New Mexico. Active be 7.1 miles roundtrip with orA a family member? Did you said, “the safety and well-being Mexico. duty, retirees, dependents and an elevation gain of 783 feet, enjoy or perhaps you now of participants is first and fore- Later in the year, we’re plan- civilians are all welcome, must and a total uphill of 806 feet. long for the special bond of most on each of our outings, ning an introduction to back- be in good physical condition The minimum elevation will be those who’ve served? Then the and that includes the sense of packing where participants and tolerate high altitudes. This 9269 feet. Sierra Club Military Outdoors mutual trust that is felt among will have the opportunity to very challenging hike starts near The grade will be 5% at Program wants you! the participants.” embark on a short overnight the upper ski area at 10,000 feet times. A raincoat or poncho is Join us for monthly outings The objective of this backpacking trip in the wilder- and proceeds to the summit at required in case there is an after- to some of the most beautiful program is to give our military ness. Tips for packing light, 13,161 feet. It passes a beauti- noon storm. The hike leader wild areas in the Southwest. and former military person- trip planning and navigation ful alpine lake, winds through will cancel the hike if a thunder- Regardless of your background nel the opportunity to feel will be combined with fun and towering ponderosa pines and storm is forecast. Contact the or fitness level, there’s an the healing effects of nature awe-inspiring beauty. offers unforgettable views of the hike leader telephonically or by outing that’s right for you. while in the company of other If you’d like to learn more surrounding mountains. We’ll text no later than July 10th to Additionally, most outings are people who have shared the about the Military Outdoors be camping the evening before RSVP. This hike will be limited free! same experiences. Program, contact Terry (June 21) at Taos Ski Valley. to 15 hikers, including the hike I’m a retired U.S. Navy In the past year, the program Owen, [email protected]. We’ll then meet at Williams leader, due to the group size officer who plans, organizes has featured a range of activi- Upcoming outings are found Lake trailhead parking lot at limit. Seniors, please bring your and leads outings of varying ties, including snowshoeing in in this issue of the Sierran 6:30 a.m. for the trailhead National Park passes. Please no lengths and skill levels each the surrounding mountains, and also found at the Rio briefing. We’ll then celebrate dogs or children. quarter and can assist you in hikes in Petroglyph National Grande Chapter website www. the first full day of summer Trip leader: Diane, 505-917- choosing the right outing; Monument and easy walking riograndesierraclub.org and on on the summit at noon with a 0556 advise you on what you should tours of museums and sculp- Meetup. high-altitude lunch. Children Location: Cuba area April/May/June 2019 Rio Grande Sierran 15 April-May-June outings April Trip leader: Odile, odile@ Saturday, April 20: Easy pitot.org or (505) 433 4692 Location: northeast of Earth Day hike in the John A. Albuquerque Milne & Gutierrez Canyon Saturday, May 18. Easy hike Open Space. Meet at 9 a.m. at and tour Hobby Lobby on Juan Tabo to of a portion of the carpool. This two-hour outing Army Corps of Engineers’ is approximately 2.5 miles bosque restoration project round trip with 250 feet of in the South Valley. This is elevation gain. Join us in this different area than was visited piñon-juniper-covered canyon in February. Meet at the Valley near Cedar Crest for a dose of High Street SW access to the nature, solitude and camara- bosque at 8:30 a.m. which is derie. Children over 12 and 1.5 miles south of Rio Bravo maximum of two dogs. This off Second Street to see an is the perfect way to celebrate excellent example of success- Earth Day. Sponsored by the ful restoration of our beloved Military Outdoors Program, bosque. If we’re lucky, this and we welcome everyone. year the restored area may be Contact leader no later than flooded, so prepare for a some- April 18 to RSVP. what muddy trail. This outing is approximately two miles and Trip leader: Terry Owen, 50 feet of elevation gain over 2 (505) 301-4349 or teowen@ hours. For more information comcast.net and precise directions, contact Location: Albuquerque area Saturday, April 20: leader. Excursiones Earth Day Trip leader: Mark Rudd, [email protected] or Hike. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 505-270-5449 Embudito Canyon Loop Trail. Location: Albuquerque Montgomery Blvd. NE toward Saturday May 18: Moderate the mountains, past Tramway hike of Pine Tree Loop Blvd. NE, left on Glenwood , Aguirre Hills Drive NE to Trailhead Springs. Let’s celebrate the Road NE. Guerreros (adven- fifth anniversary of the Organ turous children) welcome. No Mountains-Desert Peaks dogs please. National Monument with a Jane Frederick hike on the Pine Tree Loop Trip leader: Cecilia, cecilia. Participants take a break on a moderate hike up Kitchen Mesa Trail at Ghost Ranch in March. Trail in the newly created [email protected], Difficulty levels are included on each outing listing. Organ Needles Wilderness (505) 319 7556 Area. Spectacular views of the Location: Albuquerque area and we encourage water resis- Saturday, April 20: About these hikes tance footwear. No dogs. No Organs Mountains and the Tularosa Basin to the east. Strenuous hike of Vicks Peak, children under 12 years old. Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter outings are free and This is a moderate hike with San Mateo Mountains. Meet After the hike, we will return open to the public. Level of difficulty is listed in hike elevation gain of 1,000 feet. at Springtime Campground and have lunch at Los Ojos descriptions. All mileages are round-trip. 4.5-mile loop. Day-use fee at 9 a.m. and you may prefer Restaurant in Jemez Springs. Participants must sign a liability waiver. Bring water, lunch, required for Aguirre Springs. to camp overnight. We’ll hike Details, updates and sign-up sturdy hiking boots or shoes and clothing suitable for the Trip leader: Howie Dash up to Myers Cabin on the for this Sierra Club Rio Grande weather. Leader reserves right to turn away anyone whose (575) 652-7550 or howie- Shipman Canyon trail saddle Chapter event at Meetup Site. experience or equipment appears unsuitable. [email protected] and then scramble 900 feet up Sign-up and RSVP no later Vicks Peak for views far over Leader may alter destination or cancel trip due to than May 5, 2019. Location: Las Cruces southern New Mexico. Round weather, conditions, or insufficient number of participants. Trip leaders: June Parsons June trip 10 miles, 3,000 feet eleva- Unaccompanied minors need written permission from a and Terry Owen, teowen@ Saturday, June 8: Moderate/ tion gain, 6 hours. One dog, parent or guardian. Ask leader for form. comcast.net or (505) strenuous hike at high alti- no children under 15. RSVP Dogs permitted only if noted in write-up. 301-4349 tude in the Pecos region by April 17, 2019. Always contact leader before the outing to confirm Location: south of Los to Trip leader: Jim Nelson at participation and details. Please see Alamos view wildflowers on the mesa. [email protected] or (575) riograndesierraclub.org/outings for up-to-date hike informa- Saturday, May 11: The hike will pass through 854-2259 tion. Excursiones easy walk along pine and aspen forest. Meet at Location: west of Socorro Our weekly outings e-mail, Sierra Trail Mix, provides the Rio Grande. 9 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center outings updates plus useful outdoor information such as noon, starting at Rio Bravo located at 7521 Carmel Ave. May trail conditions. Send an email to [email protected]. Riverside Picnic Area (south NE in Albuquerque to leave Saturday, May 4: org with any subject and a message that says SUBSCRIBE side of Rio Bravo Blvd, east Albuquerque Open Space side of the river). We will promptly at 7:00 a.m. Drive RIO-NORTH-OUTINGS. You can also visit the Northern time to the trailhead at Iron Cleanup. Come join us as we www. walk north as much as the New Mexico Group Meetup page for updated outings: Gate Campground will be 2 partner with the Albuquerque group chooses, then back. meetup.com/Santa-Fe-Sierra-Club-Outings/. 1/2 hours. There will be four Open Space Division to pick Shady, peaceful pleasant walk. miles of dirt road to the camp- up trash, maintain trails and Children welcome. No dogs ground. High-clearance vehi- celebrate our amazing open are to give us the ability to farthest northwest area of please. Facebook. cles are recommended although spaces. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at meet one another and collab- the Home Depot parking lot Trip leader: Cecilia, cecilia. not a necessity. The in and out the designated open space orate, and share new informa- at 7700 US Hwy 550, Rio [email protected], hike will be 5.7 miles roundtrip area. Bring water, sunscreen, tion, knowledge and ideas. It Rancho, NM. Carpooling is (505) 319 7556 with an elevation gain of 737 gloves, hat and a snack, and will also include a community recommended due to limited Location: Albuquerque area feet, and a total uphill of 1070 wear closed-toed shoes. This service project. More infor- parking at the trailhead. Round Saturday, May 11: Easy loop feet. The minimum elevation is a great activity for families mation to follow as the plan trip hike is 2.5 miles with hike at the top of the Sandias. will be 9,370. The grade will be with children. Contact leader unfolds. about 100 feet total elevation Meet at 09:30, on the East 6% at times. Great views of the no later than May 2 to RSVP Trip leader: Terry Owen, gain. Beautiful mountains in side of the Albertson park- Pecos Wilderness peaks from and obtain location or view our 505-301-4349, teowen@ the pine forest along the trout- ing lot at Tramway Blvd. and the mesa, where we will eat Meetup page. comcast.net filled Jemez River. We will Academy Road; or, at 10:30, lunch. A raincoat or poncho Trip leader: Terry Owen, Location: Albuquerque also pass through the hewn- at the Sandia Crest Parking lot is required in case of a storm. 505-301-4349, teowen@ office, 2209 Silver Ave SE, through-the-mountain Gilman (close to the antennas). Note The hike leader will cancel if a comcast.net Albuquerque Tunnels on the way to Las that the hike will be changed thunderstorm is forecast and/ Location: Albuquerque Friday, May 10: Easy/moder- Conchas. Trail is not handicap to a different one if conditions or the four-mile road to the Saturday May 4: Outings- ate hike along the Las Conchas accessible. Cameras and binoc- are bad. Optional pot-luck trailhead will be impassable. leader summit. The objectives Trail in the Jemez Mountains. ulars are recommended. Dress after the hike for those who are of the Outings Leader Summit We will meet at 9 a.m. at the in layers, bring water, snacks, interested. Continued on Page 15 16 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2019