New Mexico Archives - San Juan Citizens Alliance

Oct 26 2024

The End of an Era: What’s Next for the Energy Transition in Northern New Mexico

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

On August 24, 2024 the 400-foot stacks at the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station in Waterflow, New Mexico were demolished, bringing permanent closure to a facility notorious for being part of the largest single point source of pollution in the…

Oct 15 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Farmington Green Drinks is still going strong! Mark your calendars for the fourth Wednesday of the month to enjoy a beer and good conversation with other residents who care about the environment and a sustainable future.

Sep 06 2024

Reaction to Demolition of Smokestacks at San Juan Generating Station

By Mike Eisenfeld Coal, Energy Transition, Press Release No Comments

Advocates have been working for years to facilitate a transition to clean energy, ending coal’s polluting legacy and the region’s economic over-dependence on fossil fuels Overflight and drone footage of the site and demolition are available for media (see below)…

Sep 05 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By sjca No Comments

Aug 08 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By sjca No Comments

May 13 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Apr 29 2024

Renewable Energy transition is Sparking a Renaissance in Four Corners Region

By Mike Eisenfeld Energy Transition, Of Interest, Renewable Energy One Comment

In the wake of coal plant and coal mine retirements in northwestern New Mexico, our community stands at a pivotal moment. The impacts of these closures have reverberated through every aspect of our lives, prompting us to reassess and prepare…

Feb 08 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Jan 05 2024

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Oct 24 2023

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Sep 11 2023

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Aug 08 2023

Farmington Green Drinks

By sjca No Comments

Apr 03 2023

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Jan 31 2023

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Sep 21 2022

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

May 24 2022

PRESS RELEASE: Four Corners community groups fight to retain hard-won public benefits in merger case appeal

By sjca Oil & Gas, Press Release No Comments

Today, four northwest New Mexico community groups, along with the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE), joined an appeal to the state’s Supreme Court challenging the rejection of a merger between PNM Resources and Avangrid, a global leader in renewable…

Feb 23 2022

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Farmington Green Drinks 5-6pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. March 23rd Farmington Green Drinks is still going strong! Mark your calendars for the fourth Wednesday of the month to enjoy a beer and good conversation with other residents…

Feb 08 2022

PRESS RELEASE: Community, conservation groups unified in opposition to fossil gas hydrogen bills

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas, Press Release No Comments

Prominent community and conservation groups today responded to ongoing legislative maneuvering to promote fossil-fueled hydrogen in New Mexico with taxpayer subsidies The New Mexico House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee tabled the Hydrogen Hub Development Act (HB4) due to…

Jan 11 2022

NM Supreme Court Rules ETA Constitutional

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

Environmental, Community, Tribal, Faith Grassroots Groups Celebrate SANTA FE, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2022) — The New Mexico Supreme Court today rejected New Energy Economy’s challenges to the constitutionality of the Energy Transition Act (ETA) and upheld the New Mexico…

Oct 21 2021

Land of Enchantment, Not Enchant Energy

By Emelie Frojen Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

The choice between continued coal power or equitable transition at San Juan Generating Station There is nothing enchanting about Enchant Energy’s proposal to continue burning dirty coal and emitting pollutants in the Four Corners long into the future. Enchant proposes…

Oct 19 2021

Take Action: Expose Enchant Energy

By sjca Climate Change, Take Action No Comments

Expose Enchant Energy - We need your voice in asking the Farmington BLM to do a comprehensive environmental analysis of this project that includes thorough public participation. Enchant Energy is a company that seeks to continue burning coal at the…

Oct 05 2021

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Farmington Green Drinks 5-6pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. November 17th - December 22nd Farmington Green Drinks is still going strong! Mark your calendars for the fourth Wednesday of the month to enjoy a beer and good conversation…

Aug 31 2021

Farmington Green Drinks

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Farmington Green Drinks 5-6pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. September 22nd - October 27th - November 24th - December 22nd Farmington Green Drinks is still going strong! Mark your calendars for the fourth Wednesday of the month to…

Jun 02 2021

Farmington Green Drinks – June

By Rane Dickerson No Comments

Farmington Green Drinks June 16, 2021, 5-6pm over Zoom Farmington Green Drinks is still going strong! Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of the month to enjoy a beer and good conversation with other residents who care about the…

May 26 2021

Electric Co-ops Boost Local Energy Supplies

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy No Comments

An inspiring story of rapid energy transition is playing out in a neighboring rural electric cooperative in northern New Mexico. Just recently, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative announced it is ahead of schedule to complete several solar projects by the end…

Apr 12 2021

Creating Jobs & Reducing Pollution by Reclaiming Orphaned Wells

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

The Orphaned Well Cleanup and Jobs Act of 2021 is being heard right now in the New Mexico State Legislature. The Act would plug and reclaim orphaned wells, helping to create jobs and reduce pollution in New Mexico. This blog…

Feb 03 2021

Clean Air, Mining Reform, & More: Updates at the New Mexico Legislative Session

By Mike Eisenfeld Energy Transition, Of Interest No Comments

Several bills were heard yesterday in the New Mexico Legislative Session House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee with good outcomes! 1. The Oil and Gas Subdivision Parcels Bill (HB 136) was drafted purportedly to address exemptions to subdividing lands to…

Jan 29 2021

Climate Solutions at the New Mexico Legislature

By sjca Climate Change, Energy Transition No Comments

Support the New Mexico Climate Solutions Act (HB 9) Sponsored by Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Angelica Rubio, House Speaker Brian Egolf, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, and Senators Benny Shendo and Carrie HamblenThe Climate Solutions Act (HB 9) establishes…

Jan 26 2021

Introduction to the 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Take Action No Comments

Remote Testimony for the 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session Because of the pandemic, things are looking a little different this year at the New Mexico State Legislature. The entire 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session (60-day session from January 20-March 2oth)…

Jan 11 2021

Can Carbon Capture Save Coal?

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

We don't think so. Check out this video to learn more:

Jan 07 2021

SJCA Annual Update Video

By sjca Energy Transition, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Rivers No Comments

Since we couldn't see everyone in person this year, we made a video to show you what our staff has been up to & update you on some of our top campaigns! Check it out!

Dec 23 2020

New Administration Means New Environmental Rules

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column No Comments

The changing of the guard of presidential administrations frequently brings substantial reversals of previous rules and policies. The Trump administration gained notoriety for its widespread attempts to abandon or undermine rules intended to reduce pollution or safeguard public lands. It’s…

Nov 25 2020

Utility to Assist Navajo Energy Transition

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition No Comments

The accelerating transition from coal-fired electricity to renewables is great news for the climate, but poses tough economic challenges to dependent communities like Farmington and Shiprock, New Mexico. After decades of a local economy linked to the jobs around mining…

Oct 20 2020

Unlawful Public Lands Head Invites Chaos

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection No Comments

A Montana judge recently ruled the head of the Bureau of Land Management had illegally served as the agency’s director for more than a year. That’s a big deal, seeing as it is the nation’s largest land manager. In Colorado,…

Sep 21 2020

Last Chance: Take Action to Defend Chaco from Oil and Gas Development

By sjca Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

Despite repeated requests to wait for in-person meetings following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office held only virtual meetings on a resource management plan to approve nearly 3,000 new oil and gas wells and…

Aug 26 2020

Take Action to Defend Chaco from Oil and Gas Development

By sjca Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

Despite repeated requests to wait for in-person meetings following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office is holding virtual meetings on a resource management plan that would approve nearly 3,000 new oil and gas wells…

Jul 29 2020

BREAKING: New Mexico PRC embraces 100% renewable future for Four Corners

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News One Comment

Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission unanimously decided to replace San Juan Generating Station power with 100 percent renewable energy when the coal-fired power plant is retired in 2022. This decision marks an extraordinary turning point in the energy…

Jul 09 2020

Court challenge: Feds cut out public on 40,802-acre NM oil and gas leases

By sjca In the News, Oil & Gas No Comments

The Bureau of Land Management recently sold oil and gas drilling leases on nearly 41,000 acres of New Mexico public land- without adequate public participation. Along with our coalition of environmental partners, we filed suit to overturn the lease sale…

Jun 23 2020

Carbon Capture is an Elusive Dream

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition No Comments

Our region took a major step toward a cleaner energy future recently when New Mexico regulators gave Public Service Co. of New Mexico approval to retire the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station outside Farmington in two years. But alas, it’s…

May 20 2020

Chaco Drilling Plans Advance Despite Pandemic

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas No Comments

While much of the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, it’s full speed ahead at the Department of Interior approving oil and gas development projects. One of the most contentious is a proposal for over 3,000 new oil and gas…

May 08 2020

Take Action to Defend Chaco – Ask BLM to Act Humanely

By sjca Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy 14 Comments

After almost a decade of plodding analysis, the Bureau of Land Management’s Farmington Field Office is attempting to rush through a plan to authorize thousands more oil and gas wells surging towards Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Your voice is…

Apr 29 2020

PRC Delay of San Juan Coal Plant’s Replacement Decision is Unfortunate and Risky

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News No Comments

Photo: EcoFlight The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) delayed the approval of two solar and battery projects that would partially replace the electricity from San Juan Generating Station. These projects, which had record-breaking low prices, would have brought jobs…

Apr 27 2020

New Mexico Still in Need of a Strong Methane Rule

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

On January 29, 2019, Governor Lujan Grisham passed Executive Order 2019-003 with the goal of addressing climate change and energy waste prevention- a breakthrough document for New Mexico. The “Background and Purpose” of the Executive Order was: "To further New…

Apr 15 2020

Enchant’s Carbon Capture Scheme Heads Back to the Drawing Board

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

If you are having troubles following the San Juan Generating Station carbon capture project being proposed by the City of Farmington and Enchant Energy, you are not alone. In fact, Enchant Energy itself seems to be having a hard time…

Apr 10 2020

Carbon Capture Costs Us More than the Millions in Taxpayer Dollars

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy One Comment

Our local elected officials have been chasing Enchant Energy’s promises of a resuscitated coal industry for roughly a year and a half now. This has cost the City over a million dollars in attorney fees, but the implications of this…

Apr 01 2020

San Juan Generating Station cleared for abandonment by PRC

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

Today the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) approved the abandonment of San Juan Generating Station, a ruling long in the works after months of painful legal back-and-forth. This decision paves the way for Public Service Company of New Mexico…

Feb 25 2020

Farmington Green Drinks – March

By sjca No Comments

We hope to see you again at March's Green Drinks! Farmington Green Drinks! Thursday, March 5th, 5-7 pm Traeger's Bar 5170 College Blvd. Farmington, NM 87402 Green Drinks is an informal gathering that allows residents who care about environmental issues in…

Feb 25 2020

Four Corners Climate Conference

By sjca No Comments

CANCELLED Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and for the safety of our community, the Four Corners Climate Conference has been cancelled this year.

Jan 29 2020

Energy Transition Act Applies to San Juan Generating Station Abandonment

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News No Comments

Breaking: Today the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that the Energy Transition Act must apply to Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s (PNM) abandonment of its remaining interest in the San Juan Generating Station. This decision ensures that key funding will be…

Jan 27 2020

Farmington Green Drinks – February

By sjca No Comments

Green Drinks is an informal gathering that allows residents who care about environmental issues in our community get together and share a drink and conversation. It’s a great way to connect, exchange ideas and get inspired. Green Drinks are hosted…

Jan 16 2020

New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission Adopts Oil and Gas Enforcement Rules

By sjca In the News, Oil & Gas No Comments

Today the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission unanimously adopted new enforcement rules for the oil and gas industry. The new protections will protect New Mexico's air, land and water, as well as community health. Read the full press release for…

Jan 06 2020

PRC Public Input Hearing – SJGS

By sjca No Comments

The NM Public Regulation Commission (PRC) will be holding a public input session in order to give residents of San Juan County an opportunity to share their opinions regarding the abandonment of San Juan Generating Station. PRC Chairperson Theresa Becenti-Aguilar will…

Dec 18 2019

Farmington Green Drinks – January

By sjca No Comments

If you're like us, your New Year's resolution is something along the lines of: Go to Green Drinks more. Well...now's the perfect time to make good on it because the first Farmington Green Drinks of 2020 is coming up on…

Dec 12 2019

Chaco & Carlsbad BLM lease sale protest

By sjca No Comments

Communities living near oil and gas wells already suffer the effects of poor air quality due to venting and flaring of toxic are emissions, increased rates of cancer and asthma, and unsafe traveling conditions - now the Bureau of Land Management…

Nov 07 2019

A local voice on the Energy Transition Act

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

New Mexico and the Four Corners is experiencing a transition that, far from being unique, is mirrored in coal regions across the nation. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the market reality is that coal is being left behind by…

Oct 31 2019

House Passes Chaco Protection Bill

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Is it everything we hope for? No, but it is undoubtedly a significant step forward. We'll continue to use all the tools we have to fight for permanent protections in the region. Check out the full press release below with…

Oct 21 2019

Four Corners Air Quality Group meeting

By sjca No Comments

Come join us for the annual Four Corners Air Quality Group meeting in Durango this Wednesday to hear about important factors in our regional air quality and some of the steps being taken to improve it. There will also be…

Aug 30 2019

We’re Asking the Courts to Weigh in on Application of the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico recently passed a landmark energy transition bill known as the Energy Transition Act (ETA). The bill was groundbreaking not just for setting an aggressive renewable portfolio standard, but also for creating funding to ensure a just transition for…

Aug 29 2019

Ozone Outreach Farmington – NM Environment Department

By sjca No Comments

San Juan County is one of 7 counties in New Mexico with air quality approaching, in fact 95% of the way to, the 2015 ozone standard. This is unacceptable and an issue we should all be concerned about; it is…

Aug 21 2019

Farmington Green Drinks – September

By sjca No Comments

September Green Drinks Thursday, September 5th Three Rivers Brewery Taproom, 111 E Main St. Farmington, NM 5-7 pm Farmington Green Drinks is now in its 5th month! Mark your calendars for the first Thursdays of the month to come enjoy…

Aug 15 2019

No Double-Density Drilling in the Greater Chaco Region

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

After almost a year fighting a proposal by Hilcorp Energy Company to double its gas wells, we are celebrating the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission's (OCC) decision restrict new development in northwest New Mexico. Along with our partners, we opposed…

Aug 01 2019

Back to court: Trump admin still fracking Greater Chaco, forcing new lawsuit

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

We've been working to protect Greater Chaco from rampant and unchecked oil and gas development for over a decade. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has long failed to conduct any sort of meaningful tribal consultations or robust environmental or cultural resource…

Jul 24 2019

PNM Public Meeting on SJGS Abandonment

By sjca No Comments

PNM has filed for abandonment and is now navigating the process of closing San Juan Generating Station, adding more renewables to their generation portfolio and deciding which generation assets to place in San Juan County. Come join your voice to…

Jul 23 2019

It’s time for robust methane regulations in New Mexico

By sjca Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

In New Mexico, oil and gas operations release more than 1 million metric tons of methane every year into the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, this has the same short-term impacts as 22 coal-fired power plants or 28…

Jul 17 2019

The False Hope of Carbon Capture

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition No Comments

For months the City of Farmington has been scheming with a small two-person outfit to keep San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) open past the 2022 closure date agreed upon by all other owners. Their plan is to install expensive Carbon…

Jul 16 2019

Farmington Methane Regulation Public Meeting

By sjca No Comments

Public Meeting on NM Methane Regulations July 29th, 1-5 pm San Juan Community College, IT building -Room 7103 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87402 Make your voice heard to help enact much needed methane regulation in New Mexico! The…

Jul 11 2019

Groups Challenge BLM’s Response to Chaco Court Ruling

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Wildearth Guardians Even a court ruling doesn't seem to deter the Bureau of Land Management in Farmington. They are determined to push through industry wish lists, undermining environmental review, public input, and even the courts. We'll continue calling them…

Jun 16 2019

Our energy supply system is transforming

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

In just a few weeks, Public Service Co. of New Mexico will initiate the process to officially retire the San Juan Generating Station, the 1,600-megawatt, coal-fired behemoth outside Farmington that once burned coal day and night to generate electricity. It’s…

Jun 10 2019

Energy Transition Act Invests in Our Local Communities

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy One Comment

The Four Corners finds itself in an unprecedented economic landscape and elected officials are choosing to expend valuable time, resources and money pointing fingers and aggressively combatting the entities working to make sure our communities don’t get left behind. The…

May 30 2019

Bernhardt’s Promise to Protect Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Rob Zeigler It's certainly promising, if not surprising, that Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is making promises to protect Greater Chaco. We're grateful to Senator Heinrich for playing a key role in orchestrating Bernhardt's visit to Chaco Cultural…

May 17 2019

In Wake of Court Ruling, Coalition Calls for Moratorium on Fracking in Greater Chaco Region

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Robert Zeigler Earlier this month a federal appeals court granted Greater Chaco a a long-overdue reprieve from unchecked fracking in response to a lawsuit we filed with our partners. The courts decision directly overturned a couple dozen permits, but we…

May 07 2019

Greater Chaco Region Wins Reprieve From Fracking

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 3 Comments

This is great news! Momentum in our decade-long effort to protect Greater Chaco from unbridled (and illegal) oil and gas development is finally resulting in real gains. Back in 2015, along with our partners, we filed a lawsuit against the…

May 01 2019

Signing NM Land Office Chaco Executive Order

Greater Chaco: Applause for New State Land Office Planning Process

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Real progress is being made toward protecting Greater Chaco! Last month a Congressional visit welcomed lawmakers to the region to learn about the impacts of oil and gas development and the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act was re-introduced. At the…

Apr 21 2019

New Mexico moves to protect Chaco Canyon from drilling

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas No Comments

Anyone who has traveled the U.S. Highway 550 corridor to Albuquerque recently knows for themselves the extent of greatly expanded drilling activity. Advances in fracking technology have unlocked access to oil deposits tightly trapped in the Mancos and Gallup shale…

Apr 18 2019

Greater Chaco Coalition responds to Congressional Visit on Oil and Gas Impacts

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

We were thrilled to welcome members of Congress to Chaco to experience the incredible landscape, learn about the history, and hear from impacted community members firsthand. We are confident they now have a deeper understanding of the issues here and…

Apr 09 2019

Groups Applaud Strengthened Bill to Protect Greater Chaco Landscape

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas No Comments

More than 92% of Greater Chaco has already been leased. Over the last several years, this leasing has moved forward despite the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) not having a plan in place to protect modern native communities, their history,…

Mar 28 2019

New Mexicans Protest New Fracking in Greater Chaco and Greater Carlsbad

By sjca Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

“This lease sale is just another example of the BLM putting the cart before the horse. We’ve been waiting for years for the BLM to complete its Resource Management Plans for the Greater Chaco. But the agency continues to allow…

Mar 20 2019

What Now? Next Steps for San Juan County

By sjca No Comments

What Now? Next Steps for San Juan County Thursday, April 11th 5:30 – 6:30 pm SJCA Farmington Office What is the Energy Transition Act? How does it affect San Juan County? What is happening with San Juan Generating Station? What…

Mar 20 2019

Open House at Farmington Office!

By sjca No Comments

Farmington Office Open House Tuesday, April 2nd 4:30 – 6:00 pm SJCA Farmington Office San Juan Citizens Alliance now has 2 full-tim employees in northwest New Mexico and a Farmington office! Join us (drop-in at any point!) for snacks, a…

Mar 13 2019

New Mexico Passes Historic Clean Energy Bill!

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

New Mexico just passed one of the most progressive energy transition bills in the country! The Energy Transition Act (ETA), which just passed the house and now heads to the Governor's desk, paves the way for a just transition to…

Mar 12 2019

Senator’s filibuster over Energy Transition Act a stunt

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Renewable Energy No Comments

I watched the nearly four-hour filibuster from Senator Bill Sharer on the Energy Transition Act from my home in Farmington on Wednesday. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 32-9, with strong bipartisan support. This stunt by Senator Sharer actually provides a window…

Mar 04 2019

Opinion: Back the Energy Transition Act

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

San Juan Citizens Alliance is actively working to move New Mexico forward to a sustainable energy economy. We believe an important step towards this desired future, especially for us in Northwestern New Mexico, is the passage of Senate Bill 489,…

Feb 26 2019

New Mexico Organizations Laud Senate Conservation Committee’s Approval of Landmark Clean Energy Legislation

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

The Energy Transition Act will reduce electricity costs for New Mexicans, leverage affordable clean energy, and provide economic relief to the Four Corners. Today, a coalition of New Mexico labor, community, and environmental organizations celebrated the passage by the…

Feb 20 2019

Stephanie Richards Garcia speaking at NM Public Lands Rally

Federal, State, Tribal Leaders and Allies Call for Protection From Fracking

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

It is completely indefensible to continue to lease parcels in Greater Chaco to oil and gas without having a plan in place to ensure protections for air, water, public health, and the rich history embedded in the landscape. TheBureau of…

Feb 12 2019

Take Action: Speak Out Against Lease Sale in Greater Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 36 Comments

It's time to speak out in defense of Greater Chaco again. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington and Rio Puerco field offices in northwestern New Mexico continue to allow oil and gas companies to frack without a plan in…

Feb 07 2019

Clean Energy Bill Introduced to Reduce Electricity Costs, and Provide Economic Relief to San Juan County Workers

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

Woot woot! A new Governor in New Mexico along with a host of bold, progressive, new State House representatives, looking to the future and creating opportunities. We're hopeful we can make big strides in clean energy, a just transition for…

Feb 01 2019

Keep moving Four Corners forward with renewable energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy One Comment

After almost 6 years spent outside of Farmington and San Juan County, it is great to be back in the community I grew up in and will always call home. It is refreshing to experience the kindness I remember being…

Jan 19 2019

New Mexico grapples with air pollutants

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy No Comments

We who live in these parts sometimes call it the Four Corners, other times the San Juan Basin or even the Colorado Plateau. It’s reflective of the geographic flexibility of our home region, one that water and air easily transcends.…

Jan 08 2019

NM Oil Conservation Commission to Rehear Double Drilling Rule Change

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Victory! Excellent decision today putting the public back into decisions about our public lands! The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission took all of 5 minutes to grant a re-hearing on the rule allowing for double drilling in Rio Arriba and…

Jan 08 2019

Public Deserves Input on Double Drilling Under Methane Hot Spot, Near Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Elections matter. That fact is being clearly made in New Mexico, where the public voted in a new administration with vastly different values when it comes to our public lands, among other things. We are thrilled that the new administration…

Nov 07 2018

Public Hearing on Double Drilling

By Erika Brown No Comments

Special Hearing: Hilcorp's Double Drilling Request Monday, November 19th, 9 am New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission Porter Hall, 1st floor, Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico As you may have heard, Hilcorp is…

Oct 29 2018

aerial view of oil and gas in New Mexico

The truth about double drilling

By Mike Eisenfeld Oil & Gas One Comment

Photo: Ecoflight As a longtime resident of Farmington, where the impacts of oil and gas are felt daily, I am writing to set the record straight concerning a double drilling rule change that Houston-based Hilcorp Energy is proposing before the…

Oct 15 2018

SJCA Shines Light on Proposal to Double Drilling Density

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 2 Comments

Hilcorp tried to sneak through a rule change that would double the drilling density in San Juan and Rio Arriba Counties in New Mexico - without public input or analysis of impacts. You may have heard we've been making a…

Sep 23 2018

Will APS Work With NM Stakeholders?

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy No Comments

The era of coal is over. We must demand a just transition for impacted families and communities now. APS, having profited billions from the hardworking families and communities of northwestern New Mexico, has a responsibility to help fund that transition.…

Aug 23 2018

Governments, Groups Demand Public Hearings on New Mexico Oil and Gas Sale Call on BLM for Greater Transparency and Accountability for Fracking Greater Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Photo: Rob Zeigler Last spring, Secretary Zinke instructed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to defer a lease sale in the Greater Chaco region due to a need for "more study." This December, they plan to auction those same parcels…

Jul 25 2018

Zinke Proposes More Fracking in Greater Chaco, Despite Need for More Analysis

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas One Comment

Zinke's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a lease sale in Greater Chaco this December, despite failing to conduct tribal consultations they deemed necessary when cancelling the much smaller March 2018 lease in the region. Along with our partners,…

Jul 21 2018

Economic Future of Four Corners is in Our Hands

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal No Comments

Photo: Ecoflight Northwestern New Mexico is at a crossroads. Like many communities throughout history, the foundation of our economy is based on a soon-to-be outdated industry. We can choose to become victims of change and progress or we can choose…

Jun 11 2018

After pressure, New Mexico oil and gas company withdraws attempt to avoid regulations, public input

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

In mid-May, we were approached by long time rancher, environmental advocate, and San Juan Citizens Alliance member, Don Schreiber, who discovered that Hilcorp Energy Company was trying to get exemptions from laws that restrict the number of wells they can…

May 23 2018

Image of ruins at Chaco Culture National Historic Park

Udall, Heinrich introduce legislation to codify no-drilling buffer zone around Chaco

By Erika Brown Lands Protection, Oil & Gas One Comment

As most of you know, the Alliance has been working for over a decade to secure greater protections for Greater Chaco - it's water, air, cultural resources and the health and safety of native communities living there today. We have…

Apr 30 2018

Public Defends BLM Methane Rule, Again

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

The road for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane waste rule has been long and winding, and unfortunately we’re not at the end. Last week, however, we threw a big wrench in Secretary Zinke’s never-ending attempts to rollback this…

Mar 02 2018

BREAKING: Zinke cancels Chaco lease sale!

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last night, we heard news we didn’t dare hope for: Secretary Zinke canceled next week’s oil and gas lease sale in Greater Chaco. This is because of you. You and thousands of others who spoke up and said drilling without a…

Dec 19 2017

Groups challenge new rule nullifying compliance obligations under BLM methane rule

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This fall, over 175,000 people commented against a proposed delay of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) methane rule, a rule that is particularly important for those of us under the Four Corners Methane Hotspot and suffer the royalty losses,…

Dec 11 2017

BLM, can you hear us?

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proved their determination to elevate the interests of the oil and gas industry above those of the people they’re charged to protect – twice. But we can’t give up now. GREATER CHACO…

Dec 08 2017

BLM Delaying Methane Rule 1-Year

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas One Comment

Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issuing a one-year delay of the BLM methane regulations, pushing aside 175,000 public comments, a vast majority of westerners, and the public interest of New Mexico. Read the full press release below, learn…

Nov 09 2017

Groups Appeal District Court’s Dismissal of Case on Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine

By Erika Brown Climate Change, Coal 2 Comments

Photo: EcoFlight While other coal plants in the region are announcing early closures, due in large part to the low cost of renewables, the 55-year-old Four Corners Power Plant was issued a whopping 25-year permit extension in 2015. As you may remember,…

Jul 24 2017

What happens if San Juan Generating Station Closes?

By sjca Coal No Comments

The San Juan Generating Station and San Juan Mine coal complex (SJGS/SJM) is New Mexico’s single largest polluter. While the facilities provide electricity to 500,000 customers, and employ several hundred of our community members, they do so at a great…

Jun 15 2017

BLM, EPA Put Industry Interests Above Four Corners’ Residents

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This week, despite recognizing the disproportionate impact it will have on our children, the Bureau of Land Management and Environmental Protection Agency both postponed the implementation of their methane regulations so they can revisit and rewrite them. Delaying and…

Mar 17 2017

Pollution Knows No Borders: Keep the BLM Methane Rule

By sjca Oil & Gas 2 Comments

Tell Senator Gardner to Support the BLM Methane Rule! CALL NOW: (202) 224-5941 Guest Blogger: Lauri Costello, MD Earlier this year, the House of Representatives voted to roll back the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) methane rule, which was finalized…

Mar 01 2017

Navajo President with All Pueblo Council of Govenors

Navajo Nation, Pueblo Council Join Forces to Protect Greater Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas 3 Comments

PHOTO: President Russell Begaye stands with Governors from the All Pueblo Council of Governors. Photo from Navajo Nation Press Release. Last Thursday, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez met with the All Pueblo Council of Governors. The…

Feb 10 2017

BLM is lying to us. #DontFrackChaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This is our last chance to submit scoping comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plan for oil and gas leasing in Greater Chaco. The BLM is telling us they don’t have a choice, that they have to lease: This is…

Feb 03 2017

The Plight of Solar in Farmington

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change One Comment

By Mike Eisenfeld, Energy & Climate Programs Director Last week, I attended the full, four-hour Farmington, NM City Council meeting. The Farmington Electric Utility System (FEUS) and their consultant, NewGen, presented to the Council. The City hired NewGen for 200,000…

Feb 03 2017

Rollback of Methane Rule Puts Industry Interests Above Climate, Public Health, Taxpayers

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

Today, the U.S.House of Representatives put the special interests of big oil and gas companies ahead of the public interest by voting to roll back the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rule. The measure now heads to the Senate.…

Jan 26 2017

BLM ignored us. What now? #ProtectChaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Last Tuesday, indigenous leaders, affected residents, and State Representative Derrik Lente met with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director Amy Lueders to request she cancel the January 2017 Chaco oil and gas lease sale. Over 150 people rallied…

Jan 19 2017

#DontFrackChaco Rally on 1/17!

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

On Tuesday, four Navajo Nation chapter presidents, impacted community members, and one NM State Representative met with State Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Amy Lueders. The group requested a cancellation of the January 2017 oil and gas lease sale…

Dec 20 2016

The Piñon Pipeline is dead! How did it happen?

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

Chaco just got a huge break. Friday afternoon, Saddle Butte San Juan Midstream LLC ("Saddle Butte”) withdrew their proposal for the Piñon Gathering System Project, better know as the Piñon Pipeline, in northwest New Mexico. The 150-mile pipeline would have carried 50,000 barrels per…

Dec 08 2016

We filed a protest against the leasing of 1,000 acres near Chaco

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This is getting ridiculous. This week, with many partners, we submitted our protest to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office’s January 2017 oil and gas lease sale - a lease sale that shouldn’t be happening in the first place.…

Dec 05 2016

UPDATE: BLM Methane Rule Challenged

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

In 2014 we (the San Juan Basin) became the national methane hotspot. Last month we had a huge win in curbing the hotspot with the passing of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s methane standards... and they're already under attack. But before…

Dec 02 2016

Public Health and Environmental Groups Move to Defend Standards to Reduce Waste of Natural Gas on Public Lands

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Today we filed a motion to intervene in the case recently brought against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) methane rule. The rule would protect the climate, public health, and our economy. It would also help address the Four Corners methane hotspot.…

Nov 15 2016

Obama Administration finalizes rule to protect public health, taxpayers, environment from methane waste on public lands

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Today, the Obama Administration released the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) methane rule, aimed at curbing natural gas waste on public and tribal lands. It's a win-win regulation. The standard will help to end the waste of valuable public resources,…

Nov 15 2016

Obama Administration finalizes rule that will protect public health in the Four Corners

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Nov 09 2016

We need your voice to protect Greater Chaco.

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

What changed? Right now, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office (FFO) is amending its 2003 Resource Management Plan (RMP) to include new industrial fracking in Greater Chaco. The process recently reopened for official public comment until December…

Oct 27 2016

Court allows continued intensive, unstudied fracking in Greater Chaco Northwest New Mexico oil drilling will continue despite risks to communities, cultural resources and environment

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office has agreed that their 2003 Resource Management Plan (RMP) does not sufficiently plan for fracking around Chaco Canyon. Yet, while they amend their RMP to reflect this awareness, they are still approving…

Oct 25 2016

Oil and gas is devastating our health and public lands.

By sjca Lands Protection, Oil & Gas No Comments

Area threatened by existing oil and gas development (yellow) on top of public lands (blue) in Northwest New Mexico. See oilandgasthreatmap.com for interactive map. You can’t drive through Northwest New Mexico and Southwest Colorado and miss our region’s oil…

Sep 09 2016

Inspector General Finds Former BLM Director Violated Ethical Conduct, Federal Laws

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

This week we received evidence of a local public servant sacrificing the public interest for personal gain. Federal investigators released results of their inquiry into Steve Henke’s conduct while head of New Mexico’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field…

Aug 18 2016

Oil, gas industry can’t counter NASA study on methane hot spot

By sjca Climate Change, Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas No Comments

The oil and gas industry is awfully, dangerously, predictable. This week, in response to NASA fingering oil and gas operations as the primary cause of the infamous Four Corners methane hot spot, industry shills did what industry shills do: distort…

Aug 17 2016

Four Corner’s Methane “Super-Emitters” on Camera

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

This week NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory released a report on the sources of our Four Corners methane hotspot. The study confirmed that the energy industry, specifically natural gas extraction, is as a primary cause. Methane waste on federal lands has serious…

Aug 15 2016

NASA Releases Report On Threatening New Mexico Methane Hotspot

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

Today NASA published a report that confirms the energy industry, primarily the natural gas extraction industry, is responsible for the Four Corners methane hotspot. The Four Corners methane hotspot is yet another environmental climate and public health disaster served to our…

Jun 07 2016

BLM Postpones Sale of Oil and Gas Leases Near Chaco for the Third Time

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

Yesterday, Chaco got a moment to breathe. BLM's Farmington Field Office announced it would not auction parcels in Greater Chaco for fracking leases as planned in October. This is the third time the sale of these three parcels has been postponed.…

May 12 2016

Obama Administration Finalizes Safeguards for Methane Pollution

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

Today the Environmental Protection Agency finalized standards for dangerous oil and gas methane pollution from new infrastructure. These are the first-ever national safeguards limiting methane waste and pollution and will go far to protect public health, address climate change, and…

May 04 2016

Citizens Groups Challenge Fracking in Santa Fe National Forest

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

The Bureau of Land Management in Farmington, NM hasn't updated it's 2003 Resource Management Plan (RMP) since horizontal fracking technologies became viable in the Four Corners. Currently, they are revising the RMP to reflect these new technologies. Yet, at the…

Apr 20 2016

NEW VIDEO: Time’s Up For Coal at the Four Corners Power Plant

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

The Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) and Navajo Mine complex is a massive source of pollution. It can’t be permitted to operate until 2041. Learn More. Amid last year’s crumbling coal economy, and despite promises to address climate change, the Obama Administration approved a…

Apr 20 2016

As Coal Collapses, Groups Launch Lawsuit Challenging 25-year Extension of Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

Last week Peabody Coal joined Arch, Alpha, Patriot, and other US companies in bankruptcy. This progression of bankruptcies is raising a myriad of concerns about the financial viability of coal, the future costs of clean up, the dangers of self-bonding,…

Mar 23 2016

BLM Backpedals on Decision to Defer Leasing on Three Parcels Around Chaco Canyon

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas No Comments

Apparently some decisions are more final than others. Along with our partners, we have long demanded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) halt all fracking in the Greater Chaco region, at least until an adequate management plan is in place…

Mar 22 2016

BLM Defers Fracking Around New Mexico’s Sacred Chaco Canyon for Third Time

By sjca Oil & Gas One Comment

BLM deferred the sale of three oil and gas lease parcels near Chaco Canyon ... again. It's the third time. The deferment is a huge win, and it clearly illustrates the need for the BLM to complete its ongoing Resource Management Plan Amendment. As…

Mar 15 2016

LETTER: Suggestions for Reforming the Federal Coal Program

By sjca Climate Change, Coal No Comments

"This path must be paved with common sense policy changes that address our near-term climate challenges, aid coal-dependent communities to help them emerge from transition more sustainable and prosperous, defend taxpayers and the broader American interest, and protect our legacy of public lands." In…

Mar 10 2016

Canada climate deal will multiply effects of existing U.S. plans to curb methane

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

This morning President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a pact between the two countries to take climate change head on. They announced intentions to reduce methane pollution from oil and gas industry by 40-45 percent over the…

Feb 10 2016

BLM Methane Rulemaking Meeting

By sjca Oil & Gas No Comments

Hey all, there is a really important meeting on Tuesday, February 16th in Farmington that we want you to know about. It’s from 1-4 pm, which we know is hard for a lot of people. If you can make it,…

Jan 23 2016

BLM methane rule an important step for NM, nation

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas No Comments

Great news. Today the BLM released its proposed methane waste rule. We've worked on the rule, and advised BLM on its contents, with our partners Western Environmental Law Center and Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment. The rule is 300 pages,…

Sep 18 2015

Clean-water groups respond to Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn’s congressional testimony

By Erika Brown Gold King Mine, Rivers No Comments

For immediate release: Sept. 17, 2015 Media Contacts: Allyson Siwik, Gila Resources Information Project, 575-590-7619, allysonsiwik@gmail.com Mike Eisenfeld, San Juan Citizens Alliance, 505-360-8994, mike@sanjuancitizens.org Rachel Conn, Amigos Bravos, 575.770.8327, rconn@amigosbravos.org Eleanor Bravo, Food and Water Watch, 505-633-7366, ebravo@fwwatch.org Liliana Castillo,…

Aug 27 2015

Judge Fails to Halt Fracking in Greater Chaco

By Erika Brown Oil & Gas 2 Comments

The Alliance has been working to protect the Greater Chaco region from unchecked and unplanned oil and gas development for years. Our request to halt all drilling in the Greater Chaco region while our lawsuit makes its way through the courts was…

Mar 30 2015

Cursed by Coal: Mining the Navajo Nation

By Erika Brown Coal No Comments

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