New Mexico

Signs Agreement to Increase Trade

June 15, 2008 -- JERUSALEM - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson met today with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and later signed an agreement with the Israeli government to begin a partnership that will result in more trade with New Mexico.

"I came to Israel to work together to exchange ideas, techniques and explore investment opportunities," Governor Richardson told about 30 business leaders with the American-Israeli Chamber of Commerce. Governor Richardson pointed out that New Mexico's trade with Israel has increased from 24 million to 47 million since he reopened a trade office in Jerusalem.    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today released the following statement regarding the death of Tim Russert, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and host of Meet the Press.

“I am deeply saddened by Tim’s untimely passing and Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.

“Tim set the standard for tough but fair political coverage and his contribution to the journalism profession cannot be overstated. Because of him Meet the Press is the dominant Sunday talk show and a must-do for politicians. He leaves big shoes to fill.

“On-camera he could be tough, but off-camera you saw his great sense of humor and how much he cared about people, especially his family. It’s a great loss."

Source: New Mexico Governor

June 9, 2008 -- ALAMOGORDO -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay will return to New Mexico to film major sequences for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The next installment of the box office hit Transformers is expected to hit theaters next summer.

“Transformers was a huge success and I am pleased that Dream Works, Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have decided to return to New Mexico to film the second installment,” said Governor Richardson.

The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox and John Turturro, grossed more than $700 million worldwide.

The current production has been prepping in Alamogordo since April and expects to begin filming in the fall.    » read more »

May 30, 2008 -- SANTA FE — New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that the Lifetime Original Movie “Sex & Lies in Sin City,” produced by The Konigsberg Company and Sony Pictures Television, will be shot primarily in New Mexico.    » read more »

May 30, 2008 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the television series, Crash, based on the Academy Award-winning motion picture, will be shot in New Mexico.

Crash will be produced by Lionsgate and Starz Entertainment. The production will begin shooting in June and will wrap up in October. They expect to hire approximately 145 New Mexico crew members, as well as local actors and background talent.

Since Richardson took office, over 95 major feature film and television projects have shot in the state, adding over $1.6 billion dollars to New Mexico’s economy.

Source: New Mexico Governor

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Announces Results from Border Governor Meetings with Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa

May 29, 2008 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson reported results from the Border Governor’s meetings with Mexican President Calderón Hinojosa and Mexican federal authorities today. Governor Richardson also met privately with the Mexican President.

US-Mexico border fence, Tijuana: Photo by Nathan Gibbs (CC)    » read more »

New State laws go into effect May 14, 2008

May 14, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s energy efficiency law takes effect today, as well as nearly 50 news laws. Governor Richardson worked with House Speaker Ben Lujan to pass the Efficient Use of Energy Act, which require utilities to provide more energy efficiency to New Mexico consumers.

HB 305 Utility Customer Load Management

One of the most prominent bills from the 2008 Legislative Session was House Bill 305, a major piece of energy efficiency legislation. Sponsored by Speaker Ben Lujan, HB 305 directs electric and gas utilities to acquire all cost-effective and achievable energy efficiency resources. The goal is to reduce energy consumption by 20-percent by 2020.    » read more »

Request follows Trigo Fire damage assessment by team of federal, state, and local officials

May 13, 2008 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today formally requested a disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Torrance County as a result of severe damage caused by the Trigo Fire.

Trigo wildfire, New Mexico: Photo by Kit_Z (CC)

An SBA declaration of disaster would give residents who lost homes, businesses, or property in the fire the opportunity to apply for low interest loans with flexible repayment terms.    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s office this afternoon released the following statement in regard to the renewed drug-related violence occurring in Mexico close to the border with New Mexico.

"Governor Richardson is deeply concerned by the violence in Mexico and has directed all New Mexico public safety officials to be vigilant to ensure the problems don't spread into the United States,” said Pahl Shipley, spokesman for the Governor. “The Governor supports the strong measures being taken by President Calderon and Governor Baeza and believes those efforts will ultimately be successful."    » read more »

May 08, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died May 7 in the Sabari District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Spc. Jeremy R. Gullett, 22, of Greenup, Kentucky, who was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Staff Sgt. Kevin C. Roberts, 25, of Farmington, New Mexico, who was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Miley Gonzalez announced that Mexico has reopened its border to U.S. cattle, paving the way for a cattle crossing Wednesday evening at Santa Teresa. This is the first cattle export to Mexico since many countries banned U.S. beef and beef products in 2003 as a result of Mad Cow Disease in the Pacific Northwest.

New Mexico cattle ranch: Photo by katiew (CC)    » read more »

May 7, 2008 -- CHIHUAHUA CITY - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson traveled to Mexico today to deal with a number of economic development, tourism, border health, education and security issues. Tourism Secretary Mike Cerletti, Economic Development Secretary Mondragon, Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil and State Police Chief Faron Segotta accompanied the Governor.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson: Photo by Mike Disharoon (CC)

Governor Richardson met with the Governor of Chihuahua, Jose Reyes Baeza to sign 4 Memos of Understanding between the State of New Mexico and the State of Chihuahua.

A brief description of each MOU follows:    » read more »

April 28, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Today, United States Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his ability to rise above the issues that divide us, end the war in Iraq, bring universal health care, and make America energy independent.

A young Barack Obama supporter: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)

Senator Bingaman said, "Today, I am announcing my support for Barack Obama for president and declaring my intention to vote for him at the Democratic convention.    » read more »

April 24, 2008 -- (ALBUQUERQUE) --- New Mexico Attorney General Gary King today announced a $4.4 million grant that will ultimately help consumers make the safest and most effective prescription drug choices. The money gives Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, the assistance needed to help give consumers free and unbiased information when sorting through the confusing prescription drug market.

Prescription drugs: Photo by Mr. T in DC (CC)    » read more »

State Forestry Division responding as fire threatens homes and property

April 20, 2008 -- SANTA FE- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson late this afternoon directed all related state agencies to assist in ongoing federal firefighting efforts with the Trigo fire burning in the Manzano Mountains in Torrance County.

Trigo wildfire, New Mexico: Manzano Mountains in Torrance County. Photo by Kit_Z (CC)

The fire is burning primarily on federal land and firefighting efforts are being directed from the Southwest Fire Coordination Center in Albuquerque.    » read more »