This week on New Mexico in Focus, The Line opinion panel looks at all that has been accomplished so far in this unique, virtual legislative session. The panelists will also delve into what work has yet to be done, and what measures may run out of time when the session ends at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.
The Line also weighs in on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s letter to President Biden this week, asking for some relief on his Executive Order instituting an indefinite moratorium on new oil and gas leases on public lands. The move comes as she is trying to push New Mexico toward more renewable energy sources.
The Line opinion panelists also reflect on Deb Haaland’s historic week, as the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination as the nation’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary. They’ll also discuss the upcoming special election to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives, which we have now learned will take place on June 1.
Correspondent Antonia Gonzales also gets reaction to Deb Haaland’s history-making accomplishment. She is joined by tribal leaders, a business owner and youth advocates to discuss the importance of representation but also how indigenous communities will be holding Sec. Haaland accountable in her new role.
Our Land correspondent Laura Paskus continues our series on local reaction to President Joe Biden’s Climate Change actions. This week it’s Jon Goldstein, from the Environmental Defense Fund. Goldstein works on oil and gas issues, including how to reduce methane emissions from the industry. He also served as the Energy, Minerals and Natural Services Department Secretary under former Gov. Bill Richardson.
New Mexico in Focus airs on NMPBS 5.1 (KNME HD) Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS Interviews
Deb Haaland Makes History, Native Community Reacts
Correspondent
Antonia Gonzales
Guests
Jenelle Roybal, Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor
Stephine Poston, Poston and Associates, Sandia Pueblo
Alysia Coriz, co-chair, All Pueblo Council of Governors Youth Committee (Kewa Pueblo)
Shayna Naranjo, co-chair, All Pueblo Council of Governors Youth Committee (Kha’p’o Owingeh)
Environmental Defense Fund on Climate Change Action
Correspondent
Laura Paskus, NMiF environmental reporter
Guest
John Goldstein, Environmental Defense Fund
Line opinion panelists
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations
Dede Feldman, former state senator
Eric Griego, former state senator
H. Diane Snyder, former state senator
Host
Gene Grant
New Mexico in Focus is the New Mexico PBS prime-time news magazine show covering the events, issues, and people that are shaping life in New Mexico and the Southwest. NMiF takes a multi-layered look at social, political, economic health, education, and art issues, and explores them in-depth with a critical eye to give them context beyond the “news of the moment.
The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Matt Grubs, with Kathy Wimmer, associate producer.
The NM PBS Public Affairs executive producer is Kevin McDonald.
The McCune Charitable Foundation provides NMiF funding, along with viewers like you.
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