Mask Mandate Ends, PNM Warns of Potential Blackouts & Understanding the End of the Regular Session
This week on New Mexico in Focus, Albuquerque’s ban on plastic bags is facing some renewed opposition. Environment reporter Laura Paskus speaks with Councilor Brook Bassan to understand her rationale for sponsoring a repeal of the ban. Correspondent Megan Kamerick talks with the Archbishop of Santa Fe about his recent pastoral letter calling for nuclear disarmament on an international scale. Host Gene Grant wraps up the regular legislative session talking to political science professor Timothy Krebs. Dr. Krebs explores the ongoing challenges of trying to legislate in just 30 or 60 days, depending on the year. Dr. Kirsten Pai Buick also explains her new role as director of the University of New Mexico’s Africana Studies Department.
The Line Opinion Panel explores the rationale behind the Governor’s decision to end New Mexico’s indoor mask mandate, and recent comments from the State Health Director David Scrase. They also discuss a newly announced decision to keep a coal-fired power plant in the Four Corners open a little longer, to hopefully avoid rolling blackouts this summer. But, how will that move impact the state’s push to move toward more renewable energy sources? And, the panel weighs the possible effects from an Albuquerque Police Department announcement, lengthening officers’ shifts to 12 hours.
Host: Gene Grant
The Line opinion panel:
Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations
Cathryn McGill, founder and director, NM Black Leadership Council
TJ Trout, radio host, KKOB
Segment(s):
Effort to Repeal Albuquerque’s Plastic Bag Ban
Correspondent: Laura Paskus
Guest(s): Brook Bassan, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 4
Pastoral Letter Urging Nuclear Disarmament
Correspondent: Megan Kamerick
Guest(s): Archbishop John C. Wester, Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Understanding the End of the 2022 Legislative Session
Correspondent: Gene Grant
Guest(s): Dr. Timothy Krebs, UNM, professor of political science
Africana Studies at the University of New Mexico
Correspondent: Gene Grant
Guest(s): Kirsten Pai Buick, director, UNM Africana Studies Program