Nation

NNSA: Purchase Marks First-Of-Its-Kind Acquisition

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NNSA News:

WASHINGTON — The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) completed its acquisition Dec. 15 of the LeMond Carbon Facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn., near the Y-12 National Security Complex.

The acquisition marks NNSA’s successful conclusion of a first-ever Option to Purchase Agreement, which gives NNSA the opportunity to obtain flexible production development space.

NNSA’s use of an Option to Purchase Agreement provides infrastructure modernization without the need for new construction. With this novel approach, NNSA is accelerating delivery of modern facilities while Read More

Posts From The Road: 2021 Year In Review Part 1

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HOF Gallery: While in New York in June, we were fortunate to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The museum is phenomenal in many ways and a must see if you are a baseball fan. The Hall of Fame Gallery, shown in the photo, displays plaques honoring the 337 former players, baseball executives and pioneers of the game. This was our first visit to Cooperstown, and we hope to return when we travel to the eastern U.S. again. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

American Falls: Another New York destination we have always wanted to visit is Niagara Falls. This was our first visit, Read More

Luján On Decision To Dissolve Land Grants Committee

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U.S. SENATE News:

NAMBE — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the decision to dissolve the New Mexico Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee:

“I am deeply disappointed by the decision to dissolve the New Mexico Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee. The representation of land grants, acequias, traditional, and rural communities must always be at the forefront of New Mexico public policy. They are a critical part of the heart, soul, and history of our state. These communities also represent the economic potential Read More

Last Chance: 10 U.S. Species Imperiled By Climate Change

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Florida Key deer, one of the animals listed in the Last Chance: 10 U.S. Species Already Imperiled by Climate Change report. Photo by Tiomax

Endangered Species Coalition News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month world leaders met in Glasgow for a global climate conference, and to announce their public commitments to reversing climate change. But for some species, it may already be too late, according to a report released today by the Endangered Species Coalition.

Last Chance: 10 U.S. Species Already Imperiled by Climate Change highlights the plight of ten dwindling animal and plant species that Read More

First-ever Bicameral Electrification Caucus Led By Heinrich, Smith, Tonko, Castor Gains Momentum As Membership Expands By 24 Lawmakers

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From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) announced Wednesday the addition of 24 lawmakers to the first-ever Electrification Caucus.

Established in November, the bicameral caucus works to advance policies to accelerate widespread electrification—including lowering energy bills, improving air quality and public health, addressing the climate crisis and creating jobs.

“We are building a strong coalition of leaders who are Read More

John Benner To Lead Weapons Production At LANL

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John Benner

LANL News:

Los Alamos National Laboratory has announced that John Benner is the new associate Laboratory director for Weapons Production (ALDWP) effective Jan. 3, replacing Dave Eyler, who retired from the position in the fall. Benner has been executive officer for the Weapons program.

“John is a proven leader who can provide strategic vision, maintain stability, and meet deliverables for Weapons Production as we continue to ramp up our 30-pits-per-year and other important national security missions,” said Bob Webster, deputy Laboratory director for Weapons Programs. “With Read More

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján: A Year In Service To New Mexico

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U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

NAMBE — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) earned $2 million in savings for his constituents in 2021 and assisted nearly 2,000 New Mexicans through his office’s casework services.

This year, Luján introduced 52 bills and amendments and co-sponsored 248 bills and amendments to improve the lives of New Mexicans. The Senate passed or included in legislation 12 bills, amendments, or provisions written by Luján. President Biden signed 4 bills and amendments written by Luján into law. This includes legislation to put New Mexicans to Read More

Military Hospital Support To FEMA Begins In Indiana, Wisconsin & Continues In Five States Including New Mexico

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Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr

FEMA News:

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately 40 military medical personnel will deploy in two new teams – one 20-person team to Indiana, and one 20-person team to Wisconsin – to support civilian healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.

The joint DoD effort includes 10 other teams working in five states – two in New Mexico, two in Colorado, three in Michigan, two in Minnesota and one in Montana. U.S. Army North, under U.S. Northern Command’s oversight, provides operational command of the teams. Read More

Heinrich, Luján Introduce Legislation To Increase Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research And Education

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, have introduced the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research and Education Act (CCM-CARE).

This legislation would expand National Institutes of Health (NIH) research related to cerebral cavernous malformations. Nationwide, an estimated 600,000 Americans are effected by Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) and due to limited research, there is currently no treatment for CCM other Read More

USDA New Mexico And Arizona State Directors Celebrate Funding For High-Speed Internet System To Navajo Nation

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Courtesy/USDA

USDA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) New Mexico State Director Patricia Dominguez and Arizona State Director Charlene Fernandez jointly celebrated Tuesday the funding of a high-speed internet system to the Navajo Nation.

The celebration is in conjunction with last week’s announcement made by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack that USDA is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical infrastructure throughout the country. The investments will help expand access to clean water and reliable electricity in people’s homes and businesses, Read More