As drought continues to grip the western United States, some communities are trying to modify the weather—and New Mexico state officials have received two recent applications to attempt cloud seeding. One application was withdrawn last fall after community members opposed it. Now, the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District is hoping a summertime cloud seeding operation might bring rain to parched farm and ranch lands in eastern New Mexico. The district declined requests for interviews, but correspondent Laura Paskus spoke with Gary Walker with Seeding Operations & Atmospheric Research (SOAR), about its application before the state, and also with Hannah Riseley-White, deputy director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is taking executive action on hydrogen. The Governor is directing her administration to pursue a hydrogen economy, but questions remain. The Line Opinion Panel discusses the recent developments, including a new investor’s promise to bring $250M and 500 jobs to Albuquerque.

New Mexico in Focus host Gene Grant speaks with SFR reporter William Melhado about his series on the state of public education in New Mexico since the Yazzie-Martinez ruling.

Environment Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Gary Walker, Seeding Operations & Atmospheric Research

Hannah Riseley-White, deputy director, NM Interstate Stream Commission

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diana Snyder, fmr. state senator

Laura Sanchez, attorney

Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican

For More Information:

NM Governor Sets Sights on Building Hydrogen Economy – Associated Press

Hydrogen-Based Aviation Takes Off – Albuquerque Journal

Hydrogen Power Demanded by NM Gov. Via Executive Order – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Weather Control and Cloud Modification - New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

NM PBS Video App

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