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New Black Advisory Board; Debate on Wastewater Use

June 18, 2026

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we celebrate Juneteenth with a conversation about Albuquerque’s now-permanent African American Advisory Board. Former longtime host Gene Grant returns to the show to interview Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers, who sponsored legislation to create the board, and board member Patrick Barrett. 

In May 2025, the state’s Water Quality Control Commission adopted a rule that only allows treated wastewater to be used on oil and gas fields and in limited pilot projects. But a trade association called the “Water, Access, Treatment and Reuse Alliance” (WATR Alliance) wants the state to let oil and gas companies use the wastewater for construction, industrial and even agricultural purposes. Capital and Main journalist and In Focus correspondent Jerry Redfern sat down with Matthias Sayer, an attorney and WATR Alliance vice president, to talk about wastewater and whether the science is sound on its safe uses. Later, Jerry asks Sayer why his organization is pushing with such urgency to expand the use of treated wastewater. 

For decades, New Mexico Pride titleholders have served as ambassadors, advocates and performers for the LGBTQ community. In Focus Reporter Cailley Chella brings a look at the last 30 years of the New Mexico Pride Pageant system — from the battles of the early 2000s to a new generation of youth leaders finding their voices. 

Host: Nash Jones 

Segments: 
Albuquerque’s Now-Permanent African American Advisory Board 
Correspondent: Gene Grant 
Guests: 

  • Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 6 
  • Patrick Barrett, Board Member 

WATR Alliance Argues Oil Wastewater Could Be Used Safely 
Correspondent: Jerry Redfern 
Guest: Matthias Sayer, Attorney, WATR Alliance 

Why the WATR Alliance Wants Wastewater Use Expanded Now 
Correspondent: Jerry Redfern 
Guest: Matthias Sayer, Attorney, WATR Alliance 

Three Decades of Pageantry at Albuquerque Pride 
Correspondent: Cailley Chella 
Guests: 

  • Raymond Sierra-Lopez, President, Albuquerque Pride Inc. 
  • Jason Daboi Johnson, MsTer New Mexico Pride 2004-2005 
  • Cain Rico Steel Stratton, Mr. New Mexico Pride 2006 
  • Teddy Michael, Mr. New Mexico Pride 2026