Texas vs. New Mexico water lawsuit now pending in the U.S. Supreme Court could take as long as another decade to be resolved

LAS CRUCES - The Texas vs. New Mexico water lawsuit now pending in the U.S. Supreme Court could take as long as another decade to be resolved, a consultant water attorney for the city said during a recent meeting.  "It's going to be much longer than four years," Jim Brockmann said in response to a question posed by Las Cruces City Councilor Ceil Levatino. "It's very complex litigation. The state of New Mexico hasn't even filed counterclaims or cross claims. "If I was really going to take my best guess, I'd say closer to 10 years than to four." What's next? The litigation has pitted the state of Texas against New Mexico in a U.S. Supreme Court battle over groundwater use in southern New Mexico. The case has consumed the attention of major water users in the region, including cities, farmers and irrigation districts, many of whom could see ramifications from the eventual outcome. In particular, many are worried about a curtailment of water use that could result. In February, the Supreme Court agent who is overseeing the lawsuit declined a request by the state of New Mexico to throw out the case. Las Cruces city councilors also heard Monday from Assistant New Mexico Attorney General Tania Maestas, who gave an update on the litigation. She said there could be oral arguments related to the motion to dismiss, but if not, the case will proceed with New Mexico filing its formal response to the lawsuit and possibly making its own allegations, known as counter-claims. "This is when we actually get to state points that we feel are especially important to the citizens here and the water users here in New Mexico," she said. City-AG's office partnership The city, as a major groundwater user in Doña Ana County, is "very clearly aligned" with the New Mexico Attorney General's Office in the lawsuit, Brockmann said. The lawsuit boils down to control over groundwater in south-central New Mexico, he said. The city believes the state of New Mexico is the controlling authority. "So it's absolutely critical for us that we communicate and coordinate with the state Attorney General's Office to make sure that those groundwater rights that are administered under state law are protected under state law," he said. "And that is a primary position for the attorney general in that litigation." The Las Cruces-based Elephant Butte Irrigation District, which delivers river water to farmers throughout Doña Ana County, has opposed the state of New Mexico's position in lawsuit.  Maestas said current Attorney General Hector Balderas has talked with EBID about their stance in the case, which hadn't been done previously. Also, EBID has started having technical-oriented discussions with a group of groundwater users known as the Lower Rio Grande Water Users Organization. That group has been carrying out work on the technical information that would be key to any settlement of the lawsuit. Brockmann said the water users group, which includes the city of Las Cruces, had been working not only because of the Supreme Court litigation but also because of an ongoing water adjudication case in state district court. That long-term proceeding will legally define water rights for water users throughout Doña Ana County. Origins The lawsuit arose out of 1938 Rio Grande Compact, which apportioned river water among three U.S. states, experts have said. New Mexico’s measuring point for delivering water to Texas was the Elephant Butte Reservoir — roughly 100 miles north of the actual Texas state line. The river water released from the reservoir serves farmers in the New Mexico-based Elephant Butte Irrigation District and the Texas-based El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1, as well as in Mexico. Groundwater pumping in that same 100-mile stretch, however, has been the purview of the New Mexico State Engineer’s Office. The groundwater and river water systems are connected. Texas has argued that New Mexico has allowed over-pumping of groundwater, undermining El Paso irrigators’ share of river water. A 2010 agreement between EBID and the El Paso irrigation district attempted to resolve a longstanding dispute over apportioning water. Former New Mexico Attorney General Gary King challenged the agreement in federal district court, which onlookers said prompted Texas to file its lawsuit against New Mexico at the U.S. Supreme Court.  EBID has continued to back the operating agreement of 2008. Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter.

Udall, Heinrich Urge USTR Lighthizer to Support New Mexico's Pecan Farmers and Lower Tariffs on Pecan Exports

Udall, Heinrich Urge USTR Lighthizer to Support New Mexico's Pecan Farmers and Lower Tariffs on Pecan Exports WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a bipartisan group of six other senators in urging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to help New Mexico's pecan farmers increase exports by taking action to lower the tariffs on pecan exports to India. India’s current high tariffs on pecans are impacting New Mexico and American pecan farmers, and have created a trade barrier not imposed on other tree nut producers. In a letter to Lighthizer, the senators note that the current tariff on U.S. pecans entering India is much higher than that of other tree nuts – 36 percent, compared to 10 percent for pistachios and almonds. Balancing the disparity in tariffs by lowering the pecan tariff would allow for increased imports and would generate greater revenue for India without impacting any domestic industry, since India has no significant domestic pecan production. “There are fewer nations in the world that hold greater potential for economic cooperation and trade partnership with the United States than India. Our shared democratic values and common commitment to free markets present American businesses with tremendous possibilities in South Asia,” the senators wrote. “As you and the Administration continue to explore new opportunities to grow the economy through trade and promote American agriculture, it is imperative that a key part of strengthening our trade relationship with India is reducing the tariffs that are impeding U.S. agricultural exports.” The senators highlighted the benefits a lowered tariff would have on rural communities saying, "Additionally, increasing U.S. pecan imports to India presents an opportunity to advance issues important to rural America. The pecan industry contributes over $3.75 billion to the rural economies of the 15 pecan-producing southern states stretching from the Carolinas to California, and exports alone over the last 10 years added an additional $1.25 billion in economic activity in rural America." New Mexico is the second largest pecan-producing state in the U.S. In 2015, New Mexico’s pecan crop received a premium per pound price of $2.50 for the 73 million pounds produced. In addition to Udall and Heinrich, the letter is signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Luther Strange (R-Ala.), and John McCain (R-Ariz.). Full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Ambassador Lighthizer: In President Trump’s recent joint press statement with Prime Minister Modi in the Rose Garden, the president mentioned the importance of removing the barriers to the export of U.S. products to India. We want to draw your attention to one barrier in particular, India’s high agricultural tariffs, and urge you to work with India to reduce these tariffs. India’s rapidly changing economy, growing middle class, and demand for consumer-oriented agricultural products are positive market indicators for U.S. export growth. However, restrictive import tariffs on certain agricultural products are constraining agricultural trade and undermining development of deeper trade relations. One example is the current disparity in the tariffs India charges on products classified as tree nuts. The current tariff on U.S. pecans entering India is approximately 36%, while the tariff for other similar products, such as pistachios and almonds, is much lower at 10%. Reducing the tariff on all tree nuts will encourage increased imports of a type of commodity that enjoys popularity in India and will generate greater revenue for the country. For pecans in particular, any increase in imports from the U.S. would not impact domestic pecan production in India because the country currently produces very little, if any, pecans. Additionally, increasing U.S. pecans imports to India presents an opportunity to advance issues important to rural America. The pecan industry contributes over $3.75 billion to the rural economies of the 15 pecan-producing southern states stretching from the Carolinas to California, and exports alone over the last 10 years added an additional $1.25 billion in economic activity in rural America. There are fewer nations in the world that hold greater potential for economic cooperation and trade partnership with the United States than India. Our shared democratic values and common commitment to free markets present American businesses with tremendous possibilities in South Asia. As you and the Administration continue to explore new opportunities to grow the economy through trade and promote American agriculture, it is imperative that a key part of strengthening our trade relationship with India is reducing the tariffs that are impeding U.S. agricultural exports. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, ### Contacts: Jennifer Talhelm (Udall) 202.228.6870 / Whitney Potter (Heinrich) 202.228.1578

REQUEST FOR QUOTES TO CONDUCT WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Surface Water Quality Bureau Our mission is to preserve, protect, and improve New Mexico's surface water quality for present and future generations. ________________________________________ REQUEST FOR QUOTES TO CONDUCT WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANNING Purpose The Surface Water Quality Bureau (Bureau) of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) requests quotes from regional public comprehensive planning organizations to conduct water quality management planning as defined under sections 205(j) and 303(e) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). These funds are made available through a Request for Quotes (RFQ) as this is the appropriate approach through the State of New Mexico Procurement Code given the duration and amount of an award. In response to this RFQ NMED seeks detailed quotes (i.e. proposals) to conduct water quality management planning. While all quotes focused on water quality management planning are welcomed, those which will fund activities that clearly address the State’s water quality goals to preserve, protect and improve the water quality in New Mexico are likely to be rated highest. In this respect, NMED encourages quotes focused on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Use Attainability Analyses (UAAs), or other water quality management planning activities that will directly address identified water quality impairments but do not overlap with development of watershed based plans that are eligible for funding through NMED’s 319(h) program. Funding for the work program is dependent on the receipt of federal grants authorized under Section 604(b) of the federal Clean Water Act. The New Mexico Environment Department anticipates having funds available for award in early 2018. Contact Person The contact person for this request for quotes is: Heidi Henderson, Monitoring, Assessment and Standards Section, Surface Water Quality Bureau, N.M. Environment Department, Harold Runnels Building - 1190 St. Francis Drive, N2109, P.O. Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502. Telephone: 505-827-2901. E-mail Address: heidi.henderson@state.nm.us. A complete copy of the RFQ can be requested from the contact person or downloaded from the Bureau website: https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/. All inquiries regarding the RFQ or its supporting documentation must be made to the contact person. Submission of Quotes Any questions regarding the RFQ must be submitted to Heidi Henderson by October 2, 2017. The Bureau will prepare a response to any questions received and will post the responses to the Bureau website for review by all offerors before the final submission of quotes is due. An original and three copies of the quote must be submitted by registered mail or delivered in person for review to the contact person at the above address by 4:30 PM, MDT on October 18, 2017. Electronically mailed quotes and hardcopy quotes received after this deadline will not be accepted. ________________________________________ NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Part 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any of NMED’s non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kristine Pintado, Non-Discrimination Coordinator New Mexico Environment Department 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050 P.O. Box 5469 Santa Fe, NM 87502 (505) 827-2855 nd.coordinator@state.nm.us If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified above or visit our website at https://www.env.nm.gov/non-employee-discrimination-complaint-page/ to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination. ________________________________________ TMDL AND ASSESSMENT TEAM CONTACT: Heidi Henderson 505-827-2901 https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/tmdl/

NMSU Rodeo Team prepares for upcoming season with 22 new athletes.

NMSU Rodeo Team prepares for upcoming season with 22 new athletes. DATE: 09/08/2017 WRITER: Savannah Montero, 575-646-3223, smontero@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Logan Corbett, 270-293-9242, lcorbett@nmsu.edu The New Mexico State Rodeo Team’s season is going to start out with a boom, during the month of September and beginning of October, having four rodeos. Twenty-two freshmen and transfers were recruited over spring and summer coming from various states and one even from Canada. Starting Sept. 15 and 16 rodeos will begin in Tsaile, Arizona. The following rodeo will be held in Douglas, Arizona, during the weekend of Sept. 22 and 23. On Thursday and Friday, Sept. 28 and 29, an event will be held at the Las Cruces fairgrounds, where the Aggies will compete on their home base. The last rodeo for the fall season will be in Tucumcari Oct. 13 and 14. “I have high expectations for our team this year,” said NMSU Rodeo Coach Logan Corbett. “We graduated quite a few key players on our team last year and so we had to do a lot of recruiting. I’m excited for this year’s team.” Last year the women’s team won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Grand Canyon Region (Arizona and New Mexico) and the men’s team placed second overall. Out of the 22 new athletes, Corbett added 15 new bull, bareback and saddle bronc riders to the team. This is outstanding for the region due to the lack of rough stock riders during the past year. Last year on the team there was only one bareback rider, five saddle bronc riders and three bull riders. “What made me want to come down to NMSU from Canada was hearing about all of the positives about this rodeo team and about the school itself,” said Chad Hartman, freshman bull rider at NMSU. “The team also has the best coach if you want to succeed and make your dreams a reality.” The group also recruited a very competitive transfer student from Cochise College: junior Hayley Dalton-Estes. She competes in three events: goat tying, breakaway roping and team roping. She won the goat tying title for the Grand Canyon Region and was second overall in the breakaway roping last year, along with qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo held at Casper, Wyoming, in two of her three events. Corbett has high expectations for the senior rodeo competitors as well. “I expect that the senior team members will be role models for the underclassmen,” Corbett said. “With three years of experience traveling to rodeos, and only one year left, seniors typically realize that this is it, and they buckle down and compete really well.” He hopes that his freshmen will understand how fast their four years will go by and that these athletes put in a full 100 percent. Every practice is critical along with every rodeo; it is necessary to work hard in order to qualify for the College National Finals. Zoe Billings, NMSU senior rodeo athlete, set her goals for the upcoming season. “I’m making my goals more about what needs to be done for success rather than about placing,” she said. “My goals are to not break any roping barriers and to keep all of my goats down.” Another new freshman barrel racer, Clay Barry, came all the way from Kennewick, Washington, to rodeo for New Mexico State. This women’s team athlete has a very interesting story. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to meet new people and see what the future has in store for me at NMSU,” Barry said. “I started a church back home called ‘The Ride of Faith Church’ and I am excited to bring it not only to NMSU and this region, but to the different rodeo communities that surround the area and see where God takes it.” Corbett said the Aggie Rodeo Team members are ready for an unforgettable rodeo season. For more information, go to http://aces.nmsu.edu/rodeo/. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

ANIMAL SUPPLY POINTS SEEKING LIVESTOCK-RELATED DONATIONS

ANIMAL SUPPLY POINTS SEEKING LIVESTOCK-RELATED DONATIONS The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has established Animal Supply Points for livestock and other animals in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and has set up a phone bank to take calls from those who would like to make a donation. “These ASPs have been set up to shelter animals and for the storing and distribution of hay and feed and as a location from which to coordinate volunteer assistance,” said Dr. Andy Vestal, AgriLife Extension emergency management specialist, College Station. Vestal said AgriLife Extension, Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension and Texas Sea Grant personnel in each affected county, along with agriculture-related agencies and industry organizations, continue to assess agricultural and coastal/marine commerce and resource damage. “We also report animal issues and request state and private sector donated resources to address unmet needs,” he said. “County AgriLife Extension agents are assisting with small and/or large animal shelters in 42 counties. In addition to animal shelters, the agency is supporting a network of Animal Supply Points.” Vestal said donations to these locations are being supported through the Animal Supply Point Phone Bank at 979-845-7800. Donors contacting the phone bank will have their items matched to the needs at locations in the supply point network in counties from the Coastal Bend to southeast Texas. Jeff Ripley, AgriLife Extension associate director – county operations, College Station, said livestock-related donations are needed and those general items being requested are: — Feed for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and other livestock. — Buckets, troughs, and other equipment for livestock feeding and watering. — Hay for livestock consumption. — Livestock panels and gates for temporary holding facilities. — Shavings and bedding materials for animals. Ripley said pet food may also be needed at some of the locations. “Not all locations will need the same items, so when people call the phone bank we will try and connect them with the location needing those items they want to donate,” Ripley said. “We are only equipped to accept these donations at one of our active Animal Supply Points.” “We’re asking that items that are not livestock-related be donated to Red Cross, Salvation Army or another charity of choice,” Ripley said. “But we will gratefully accept those items needed to provide food, shelter and protection to any livestock that have been displaced.”

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the Farmer Veteran Coalition will launch a new joint program at the New Mexico State Fair

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the Farmer Veteran Coalition will launch a new joint program at the New Mexico State Fair, Sept. 7. NMDA has partnered with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to develop a logo that will help New Mexico veteran farmers to differentiate their products in the marketplace. The nationally known Homegrown by Heroes logo has been combined with the NMDA’s NEW MEXICO - Grown with Tradition® logo. “Our veterans have ensured that we have our freedom, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition is helping to ensure our food security,” Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture, said. “NMDA is proud to work with this outstanding organization and their hero members,” he added. The launch will begin at 4 p.m. with the unveiling of the logo at the Agriculture Building west of the Manuel Lujan Commercial Building. There will be samples of produce grown by local veterans from Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc. of Taos, which will be the first group to use the new logo. Live entertainment will also be presented in the courtyard. The partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition will help expand the program’s reach to other veterans and veteran programs within New Mexico. The Farmer Veteran Coalition provides a wide variety of services to assist veterans in making a successful transition into an agricultural career. Not Forgotten Outreach provides veterans with opportunities to improve relationships, build comradeship while they enhance “mindfulness” and personal well-being. As the first organization to put the logo to use, their hope is that local restaurants, retailers and consumers will be more apt to support our local veterans. “Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving their nation and after military service, farming becomes a natural transition due to the fact that they are now feeding the country with healthy locally grown food,” Director of Not Forgotten Outreach, Don Peters said. “The fact that the State of New Mexico is adopting the ‘Home Grown by Heroes’ logo indicates to the military families that they are supported by the state after military service.” B-roll captured at the Not Forgotten Outreach Farm, as well as the locations of the billboards bearing the combined logo, will be available to the media at the event. Local veterans involved in the agriculture industry interested in using this logo may contact the NMDA Marketing Department at tastethetradition@nmda.nmsu.edu for further information

Palomino filly. Shoes on all four feet

The Following Found Livestock Notice Has Been Posted on the NMLB Website: NOTICE ID 2822 - 09/05/2017 The following described livestock was/were found by the NMLB without ownership being known: Palomino filly. Shoes on all four feet. The livestock was/were found at: Pirtle Dairy on Hobson Rd. - Roswell, NM 88201 Brand(s) described on livestock: No Brand Please Contact Inspector Reed Wheeler at 575-840-5372 if you have information regarding ownership of the described livestock. NOTICE EXPIRATION DATE: 09/11/2017 Livestock are being held in Chaves County DOCUMENTS AND/OR IMAGES: WIN_20170823_163509.JPG WIN_20170823_163440.JPG WIN_20170823_163450.JPG