I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Gov. Susana Martinez announced today that former astronaut and global warming denier Harrison Schmitt is her choice to run the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. A geologist and former senator, Schmitt would be in charge of the Mining and Minerals Division, State Parks Division, Oil Conservation Division and Energy Conservation Management Division if confirmed by the state Senate.
Schmitt, one of just 12 men to ever walk on the moon, was on Apollo 17, the final manned mission to the moon. He entered politics and served as U.S. Senator from 1977 to 1983. He was defeated by current U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman in the 1982 election.
Schmitt does not believe global warming exists and says the government pressures scientists to support its existence. The vast majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is happening and say that humans are at least partially responsible.
Schmitt has a doctorate in geology from Harvard University.
Earlier this week, Martinez removed all the members of the Environmental Improvement Board, citing the board’s approval of regional and state cap and trade statutes.
Also on Wednesday, Martinez announced that Dr. Catherine Torres, a Las Cruces pediatrician, is her nominee to head the Department of Health. This is the department that runs the state’s medical marijuana program, which Martinez targeted for removal during her campaign for governor.
“As a pediatrician, Dr. Torres knows first-hand the health needs of New Mexico’s children and families,” Martinez said in a statement. “Her input will be extremely valuable as I work to develop effective and practical public health policies.”
Torres called the nomination “a privilege.”
