Tim Blodgett News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

New federal funding aims to revolutionize solar energy access within New Mexico's Native American communities and benefit the state overall. The Environmental Protection Agency's $7 billion "Solar for All" program is designed to create new or expanded low-income solar programs. Talia Martin, co-executive director of the National Tribal Program for GRID Alternatives, said the funding will help bridge the clean energy gap in Native American communities. ...

Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer zones around new oil and gas wells. Voters will be asked to uphold or revoke Senate Bill 1173, which would require a 3,200 setback around any new well near schools, neighborhoods and hospitals. Meghan Sahli-Wells, former mayor of Culver City and a leader with the group Elected Officials to Protect America, fought to phase out the Inglewood oil field and said no community should be a sacrifice zone. ...

A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pipeline carrying carbon emissions. Economic benefits were again touted but the plan still has opponents. Last year, North Dakota's Public Service Commission denied a permit request from Summit Carbon Solutions, which wants to build a maze of pipelines in several Midwestern states. ...

The construction of more solar farms in the U.S. has been contentious but a new survey shows their size makes a difference in whether solar projects are favored by neighbors. South Dakota's largest solar installation, the Wild Springs project in New Underwood, began operations in March and covers more than 1.5 square miles. ...

The solar surge began in September 2023 when power began flowing from the 80-megawatt Fall River Solar facility near Oelrichs, southeast of Hot Springs.