Morning Word: PNM Urges Regulators to Approve Rate Hike

M

ay Day. This year seems to be flying by quickly. Four months are gone already. At least we can all look forward to Cinco de Mayo parties this weekend (and double-digit electric rate increases sometime later this year).

It's Friday, May 1, 2015

The Public Service Company of New Mexico, which has scheduled its quarterly conference call with investors and stock analysts this morning, says its rate request should be approved by the Public Regulation Commission. Read more at the ABQ Journal.  The Department of Energy has agreed to pay $73 million in fines connected to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant radiation leak last year. The money will go toward roadwork and other infrastructure projects. Read more at the Santa Fe New Mexican. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich say they oppose Gov. Susana Martinez’ idea to have New Mexico store more nuclear waste. Read why here.  Intel’s Rio Rancho plant manager Kirby Jefferson is retiring after 35 years working for the chip manufacturer. Some insiders have said they believe the fabrication facility may shut down in the next few years. Read more at ABQ Free Press.  Police body cameras purchased by the Albuquerque Police Department are in the spotlight. State Auditor Tim Keller says the former police chief appears to have violated the Government Conduct Act, city procurement ordinances and ethics rules. Jeff Proctor and Tina Jensen have been following the case for more than a year. See their story here.  Speaking of body cameras, there is a new smartphone app that allows you to record the police and automatically send your video to the American Civil Liberties Union for review. Read it here.  Last week, District Attorney Kari Brandenburg told ABQ Free Press that she fears for her personal safety after filing murder charges against two Albuquerque police officers. Now she says she doesn’t want the rumored threats by APD officers against her investigated by law enforcement. Read more at the ABQ Journal.  Bobbie Gutierrez, a former Santa Fe Schools District leader, has been hired as Española Public Schools' new interim superintendent.

Ardee Napolitano reports for the Rio Grande Sun.  Investigative reporter Matt Grubs sat down with Transportation Secretary Tom Church, who says after the state spent more than half a million dollars to build a Rail Runner stop in Santa Fe, he’s considering tearing it down before the Zia stop ever serves a single passenger. See more at KRQE.  Steps are under way to make the old Taos County Courthouse compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. Cody Hooks, at the Taos News, has more. Patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder won’t have to try traditional medications before applying for the state’s medical marijuana program. The Department of Health lost a lawsuit filed by a Santa Fe psychiatrist, who argued regulators had overstretched their rule-making authority. Phaedra Haywood has the scoop.  If you’re looking to purchase some new art or furniture to decorate your home or office, just go to the state pen near Santa Fe on Sunday. The New Mexico Department of Corrections is hosting an arts and crafts fair and allowing inmates to sell some of their pieces this Sunday. Make sure to buy some goodies; we hear they’re having a bake sale and selling items baked by inmates. Katherine Mozzone has a preview here.  Folks who are trying to find millions in buried treasure are excited this morning. The hunt is on after Santa Fe art collector Forrest Fenn released another clue about where he has buried a lucrative treasure chest.

Read more here. 

If you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo a little early this weekend, have fun, drink responsibly and drive safe. See you right back here on Monday.

Santa Fe Reporter