Rocky Mountain Hydrogen Coalition, Unemployment Overpayment Mistake & Holtec's Future in New Mexico | 3.7.22

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham isn’t giving up on her plan to make New Mexico a hub for Hydrogen power. The Governor recently signed a partnership agreement with Colorado, Wyoming and Utah to lobby jointly for a piece of $8B up for grabs from the federal government. Our Line Panelists debate whether this is a prudent move for our state’s energy future.

Tens of thousands of New Mexicans are scrambling after being told they have to repay some of the unemployment relief they received during the pandemic. The state’s Department of Workforce Solutions says it paid out too much, and now it wants the people who unknowingly received the extra money to pay it back months later. Our Line Opinion Panelists discuss the moral implications of such a mistake and try to come up with a solution.

And, Our Land reporter Laura Paskus talks with State Senator Jeff Steinborn to learn more about Holtec's plan to dispose of nuclear waste here in New Mexico, the company's track record in other states, and why the legislature didn't pass a bill this session that would have blocked the waste from coming here.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations

Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Guest:

Jeff Steinborn, New Mexico Senator (D)

For More Information:

State Overpaid Millions in Unemployment Benefits, Now DWS Wants it Back – Searchlight NM

New Mexico Governor Signs Interstate Hydrogen Hub Deal – Santa Few New Mexican

NM Joins Three Other States in Effort to Create Hydrogen Hub – NM Political Report

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