Commentary: Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission unanimously denied El Paso Electric s request to build a 228-MW natural-gas generator, citing EPE’s failure to consider the requirements of the Energy Transition Act.
The air quality in communities around the plant, including Chaparral, NM, and northern El Paso County, already violates federal standards for ozone and other dangerous pollutants. The additional generator would have increased those dangerous levels. While it is not clear how El Paso Electric will respond, EPE will have to decide whether it still makes sense to go forward with the project for only its Texas customers. A coalition of local groups is urging the El Paso City Council to use its legal authority to reject the plant entirely on a municipal level.
AZTEC The Farmington City Council will hear an update on the COVID-19 situation in the community during its 9 a.m. Dec. 15 work session, which is being conducted via Zoom.
The city has invited representatives from San Juan Regional Medical Center, the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management and the Farmington Fire Department to give the update.
The public can attend the meeting by contacting ajones@fmtn.org or calling 505-599-1101 to obtain the passcode. A recording will also be posted on fmtn.org/AgendaCenter following the meeting.
County Commission set to appoint new probate judge
San Juan County Commission is scheduled to appoint a new probate judge during the 4 p.m. Dec. 15 meeting. The commission will likely go into closed session and then reconvene to appoint the new judge. The judicial vacancy occurred when the previous judge, Stacey Biel, vacated the seat after being elected magistrate judge.