Morning Word: SolarCity to Compete with PNM

The

sun could be providing energy for thousands more homeowners soon. The state didn't get Tesla, but here comes SolarCity. That plus, we've got the scoop on auditioning for the second season of Manhattan and a look at all the legislative news.

It's Thursday, March 5, 2015

Already under pressure from environmentalists and regulators, the Public Service Company of New Mexico could be facing some stiff competition soon. SolarCity plans to set up shop in the state in the next few months and offer homeowners affordable loans to purchase solar panels to generate their own electricity.

US Sen. Martin Heinrich said he welcome company’s announcement.

Dan Mayfield has details at ABQ Business First  

A Kirtland Air Force Base spokesman has threatened to cut off KUNM reporters’ access to the base following the station’s report on pollution in the Rio Grande. Read more here.  The state public lands commissioner, his son and an Otero County commissioner are being accused of ethics violations.

Blair Dunn called the lawsuit "frivolous." Staci Matlock has details.  Doña Ana County Treasurer David Gutierrez is in hot water. He’s accused of offering a co-worker $1,000 to have sex with him. See more at KOB. If you’re planning to get out of town for business or spring break and thinking about parking your car at the Albuquerque International Sunport’s public garage, you better make sure your vehicles registration is current. Investigative reporter Matt Grubs found out travelers are getting a lot of tickets. See it at KRQE.  A Navajo lawmaker doesn’t want medical marijuana legalized in his nation because it contradicts tribal values and traditions. While other tribes are considering the option, Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie thinks legalizing marijuana would "drive up crime rates and drug addiction" on the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Read more at the Las Cruces Sun-News.  Employees working in the medical marijuana industry here in New Mexico may have to submit their fingerprints and undergo criminal background checks.

Steve Terrell has more.  Former professional football player Nate Jackson want the National Football League to drop its ban on marijuana.

Read more here.  Gov. Susana Martinez is pushing new initiatives to protect caseworkers at the Children Youth and Families Department.

Read more at KRWG. Good news for uninsured New Mexicans. Joey Peters found out that folks who missed out on the initial signup will be eligible to take advantage of a second open enrollment period March 15 to April 30. More at SFR. Laura Paskus has a new essay on her recent journey and experiences at Chaco Canyon.

Read it at SFR.  Members of the Independent Community Bankers of America have elected the CEO of Centinel Bank to head their association this year. Read more at the ABQ Journal.  New Mexico Legislative News:

• An effort to raise the minimum wage has failed in the state Senate. Milan Simonich has more on the Democrats voted against it –
• Santa Fe New Mexican
• . 
• It looks like the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is prepared to call for a special session if their priority bills don’t get passed before the regular session ends –
• New Mexico Political Report
• . 
• After years of saying no, lawmakers now think it’s ok to purchase lottery tickets using a debit card –
• Las Cruces Sun-News
• . 
• Senators also want to limit college lottery scholarship funding and use more of the revenue to increase prize amounts –
• Santa Fe New Mexican
• . 
• Retired police officers who return to work could cost the state Public Employees Retirement Association almost $69 million next year –
• Dan Boyd
• . 
• The Senate Conservation Committee has passed a bill that would give lawmakers more oversight of a Gila River diversion project –
• Ollie Reed.
•  
• Lawmakers have reached a compromise on a bill that requires hospitals to make prices more transparent –
• Santa Fe New Mexican
• . 

The Albuquerque Isotopes have a new logo for the upcoming season, but not everyone likes it.

Read more at ABQ Business First. Fans of Sam Shaw’s Manhattan have a chance to appear in the WGN America show. Producers are looking for extras and casting for the second season gets underway Saturday in Santa Fe.

Details on the auditions are online. 

Editor's Note: An earlier report of this story listed the wrong reason why Kirtland's spokesman is mad at KUNM.

Santa Fe Reporter