NM Environment Dept., American Indian Day, The Line

This week on New Mexico in Focus, “Our Land” correspondent Laura Paskus follows up on a story she broke last weekend. She talks to leaders at the New Mexico Environment Department about the low levels of PFAS toxic chemicals that have been found in some intake wells in the eastern New Mexico city of Clovis.

It’s back to the state’s capital with correspondent Gwyneth Doland and the Your New Mexico Government Project to check in on the progress of plans to reform the state’s failing public employee pension program. The Your New Mexico Government Project is a collaboration with KUNM Radio and the Santa Fe Reporter.

Correspondent Antonia Gonzales also traveled to the Roundhouse to speak with tribal leaders on American Indian Day, February 7th. The day was focused on environmental protection for the next generation. The leaders talked about creating opportunities for young people and the importance of cultural preservation for the future of New Mexico tribes.

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel debate Senate Bill 5, the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act as it advances through the legislature. This emotionally charged “red flag” bill has passionate supporters and opponents. The Line panelists also look at proposed changes within CYFD, the Children, Youth and Families Department. For their last topic, the Line looks at a pilot program in Santa Fe Public Schools that addresses the longstanding problem of student truancy.

Host:
Gene Grant

Correspondents:
Gwyneth Doland
Antonia Gonzales
Laura Paskus

Field Guests:
PFAS:
Sec. James Kenney, NM Environment Department
Rebecca Roose, Water Protection Division Director, NM Environment Department

American Indian Day:
President Gabe Aguilar, Mescalero Apache Tribe
Lt. Governor Carleton Bowekaty, Zuni Pueblo
Rep. Derrick Lente, NM House District 65

Legislature:
Rep. Phelps Anderson, (R)
Rep. Christine Chandler, (D)
Sec. Bill McCamley, Workforce Solutions Department

Line Panelists:
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Edmund E. Perea, attorney and public safety expert
Sophie Martin, attorney
Giovanna Rossi, Collective Action Strategies and The Well Woman Show (KUNM)