Carlsbad residents are experiencing health impacts, but the science behind their woes lags behind the pace of drilling.
New Mexico
Posted inMay 13, 2019: Atomic Tourists
A road trip through New Mexico’s atomic past
As nuclear tourism booms in the Land of Enchantment, histories of violence are packaged, sold and consumed.
Posted inMay 13, 2019: Atomic Tourists
The transformation of a centuries-old refuge in New Mexico
With 300,000 visitors every year, how can Chimayó’s history be preserved?
Posted inMay 27, 2019: Public Pushback
Will the Trump administration boost uranium?
Energy industry lobbying could lead to more mining from Bears Ears to Wyoming.
Posted inApril 29, 2019: A History of Violence
New Mexico’s ‘mini’ Green New Deal, dissected
The Energy Transition Act could be a model for ambitious policies of the future.
Posted inArticles
Mining companies pollute waterways. Citizens pay.
Nearly 2 billion pounds of toxic waste were dumped into western waterways in 2017, and taxpayers are left to clean up the mess.
Posted inApril 29, 2019: A History of Violence
In Santa Fe, children learn the ABCs of inequity
Where students reside and where schools thrive highlights an opportunity gap in New Mexico’s capital.
Posted inMarch 4, 2019: El Nuevo Movimiento
Can beauty alone save a natural place?
Essays that unravel the mystique of the American West.
Posted inArticles
New Mexico lawmakers focus on equity in the outdoors
A new fund would help low-income youth play in their public lands.
Posted inArticles
Contamination from an Air Force base devastates a New Mexico dairy
An investigation shows the impact toxic chemicals are having on the community of Clovis.
Posted inMarch 4, 2019: El Nuevo Movimiento
‘A dangerous game of chicken’ on drilling near Chaco Canyon
Feds go back and forth on leasing culturally important lands.
Posted inMarch 4, 2019: El Nuevo Movimiento
New bill leaves lands protected, lawmaking neglected
A bipartisan public lands bill punts on overhauling environmental policies.
Posted inMarch 18, 2019: Arizona's Wild Horse Paradox
Development plans test a decade-old conservation deal
Were concessions to protect undeveloped land in California worth it?
Posted inFebruary 18, 2019: Barriers to Entry
Update: Western states move to limit trapping
Caught dogs and imperiled martens spur reforms for fur-bearer trapping.
Posted inArticles
Why was a study on trafficking in Indian Country canceled?
After the Trump administration transition, the Department of Justice killed a critical needs assessment initiative.
Posted inFebruary 4, 2019: Nizhoni Girls
Democrats are divided over the Green New Deal
Can newly elected progressives convince party leaders to embrace a bold climate agenda?
Posted inFebruary 18, 2019: Barriers to Entry
Border security will always be elusive
The Borderlands have long been governed by impermanent and shifting policies.
Posted inArticles
The metalheads of the Navajo Nation
See photos of the thriving music scene in backyards, abandoned houses and parking lot shows.
Posted inArticles
Record number of endangered wolves found dead
The U.S. recovery program for Mexican gray wolves continues to struggle.
Posted inDecember 24, 2018: Good news, bad news
Where the news is drying up — and where it’s not
Rural areas can be hit hardest, but many small-town papers persevere.