Non-Local News Releases

(Albuquerque, NM) – PNM, through its parent company, TXNM Energy, has been recognized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) with the Humanizing Energy: Model for Community Engagement in Energy Projects Technology Transfer Award. This international honor highlights the importance of community‑driven, culturally informed approaches to energy transition, an approach that has guided PNM's work with the Navajo Nation and other communities across New Mexico.

The award recognizes a multi‑year effort focused on a just and equitable energy transition for the Navajo Nation, especially in the wake of the closure of two power plants that had long served as major sources of jobs and revenue. Built on trusted relationships and supported by PNM's Tribal Engagement Office, the project emphasizes that successful energy transitions must be human centered, historically informed, and rooted in trust‑based partnerships. For the Navajo Nation, this means sustained engagement, transparent decision‑making and investments that build local capacity, workforce pathways and long‑term economic resilience.

Rescinding Stage II Fire Restrictions effective June 5th

(Albuquerque, NM – June 3, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands is rescinding the previous Kiowa and Rita-Blanca National Grasslands Stage II Fire Restrictions and implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions effective Friday June 5, 2026. See attached maps.

Forest managers consider several factors for determining fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

SANTA FE – Fishing license requirements are suspended in New Mexico on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, as the state observes National Boating and Fishing Week.

Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state on both days, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the New Mexico Department of Wildlife's website.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for New Mexicans to learn how to fish and get outdoors. We're encouraging everyone to attend a nearby event or visit their local lake to enjoy the excitement of fishing in our state's great outdoors." Department director Mike Sloane said.

Round 1 applications open July 1 for State's Outdoor Equity Fund

SANTA FE — New Mexico is investing $4.5 million in youth outdoor programs after demand for the State's Outdoor Equity Fund exceeded available funding by more than 90% last year, $3.7 million above the available amount.

The FY27 investment marks one of the largest annual allocations to date in the highly competitive program, which helps connect youth across New Mexico to outdoor experiences, including hiking, biking, camping, environmental education, cultural programs, conservation projects and workforce development opportunities. 

View in browser • Quarterly News and Updates • Summer 2026 
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June 2026

Summer salutations from the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum, 

Statewide, NM - State Police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during June 2026.

We are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

These checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

National Forests and Grasslands app available for download on iOS and Android

Washington, D.C., June 1, 2026 — To kick off Great Outdoors Month, the Forest Service is launching a new, single visitor-information mobile app, National Forests and Grasslands, now available for download as visitors plan their summer trips to recreation sites across the National Forest System.

For the first time the app provides the most complete and accurate collection of Forest Service recreation sites that has ever been made available to the public, along with important planning tools like critical safety alerts, closures, amenity details and more.

LAS CRUCES — White Sands Missile Range has scheduled a road closure on U.S. 70 for Tuesday, June 2.

U.S. 70 will be blocked one time beginning at 9:25 a.m. This block will last approximately one hour, with the closure lifting by 10:25 a.m. The closure will be located at the Blue Block, 2 miles east of the access road at mile marker 172, and at the Brown Block at mile marker 192.

San Augustin Pass and the LC Gate will not be affected. However, Nike Avenue will be affected by the closure.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice. For updates, call White Sands Missile Range at 575-678-2221 or 575-678-2222, visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation at  www.nmroads.com or call 511.