Non-Local News Releases

Certification program aims to cut methane emissions, open doors to global export markets

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD)—part of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department—is launching an incentive program to encourage oil and gas operators to obtain international certification as producers of clean natural gas — with new benefits set to take effect May 1.

Operators who achieve certification under the United Nations Environment Programme's Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) reporting framework will qualify for fewer routine inspections and faster permit processing. The program is designed to reduce methane emissions beyond what state rules already require, while positioning New Mexico natural gas for export to markets in Asia and elsewhere that require compliance with international standards.

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 32 oil and gas parcels totaling 21,181 acres in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas in an August 2026 sale. The comment period ends May 15, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in March 2026 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

SANTA FE – The Department of Wildlife is conducting checkpoints throughout the state this hunting and fishing season to collect biological data and to detect wildlife law violations. 

As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff's offices. 

Please report any wildlife crime or suspected crime that you may observe while enjoying New Mexico's great outdoors. To report a wildlife crime, please call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn cash rewards for information leading to charges being filed. Violations can also be reported online at Operation Game Thief. 

WASHINGTON—The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Sgt. Celestino Chavez, Jr., 19, of Gallup, New Mexico, killed in action during the Korean War, was accounted for April 15, 2025.

Chavez's family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In late 1950, Chavez was assigned to D Battery, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was wounded while defending his position near near the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and evacuated to an aid station on Nov. 30.  He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, when his convoy was ambushed by opposing forces in route to Hagaru-ri. The U.S. Army did not receive any indication that he was ever held as a prisoner of war and with no evidence of his continued survival, issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for continuing to man his position despite his wounds during the Nov. 30 attack.

(Washington, D.C., April 14, 2026) — The U.S. Forest Service today announced it will be issuing $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025, delivering critical funding to eligible states and counties with National Forest System lands. These payments help sustain public schools, maintain local roads, strengthen wildfire preparedness, and support other essential services in rural communities.

"Secure Rural Schools payments reflect our strong partnership with the counties and communities that surround national forests," said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. "These funds support critical infrastructure, while advancing active forest management and restoration that keep forests resilient and communities safer. We remain committed to deliver this support directly to rural communities that depend on these resources."

SANTA FE – State fire restrictions are in effect across New Mexico, including on all State Game Commission lands managed by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.

On Monday, April 6, the Department issued fire restrictions on all State Game Commission lands, including the Department's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This comes after New Mexico state forester Laura McCarthy announced a ban on smoking, fireworks, campfires, grills and stoves and prescribed burns on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands statewide. The restrictions went into effect at 8 a.m. Monday, April 6, pursuant to New Mexico Statute § 68-2-8 (2025) and other sections of the Forest Conservation Act § 68-2-1 to 68-2-25 (1978) and 19 NMAC 20.3. More information can be viewed on the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Forestry Division's fire restrictions webpage.

SANTA FE – Some of New Mexico's most talented youth artists took part in the first-ever Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest, with winners announced last week by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.

The contest included divisions for grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The top-three finishers in each division will proceed to the National Fish Art Contest, sponsored by Wildlife Forever. Other categories included the Invader Crusader Award, for artwork featuring a native and invasive aquatic species found in the student's local area; the Mighty Minnow Award, for kindergarten participants; the New Mexico Native Trout Award, for artwork highlighting New Mexico's native trout species — Gila trout or Rio Grande cutthroat trout; and the New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need Award, for artwork that best represents species identified by the Department as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation.

Winners are as follows:

Anthony, NM — The City of Anthony has formally requested assistance from state and federal authorities following the discovery of significant operational failures, including missing public records, inaccessible systems, and serious concerns stemming from the City's administrative transition.

Since taking office, Mayor Gabriel I. Holguin and City leadership have identified what appears to be the deletion and loss of public records, including investigative files, operational documents, and grant-related materials. At the Police Department, there was no structured transition—systems remained locked, devices were wiped, and access to critical information was not turned over to the incoming administration.