AGP Executive Report

Consumer Protection: A New Mexico jury found Meta liable for deceiving users about privacy protections tied to Cambridge Analytica, citing more than 43 million violations under state law, with penalties now set for a judge to determine. Energy & Grid Modernization: PNM has started a statewide smart meter rollout—560,000+ meters by end of 2028—amid billing complaints and heat-driven demand stress. AI Governance: OpenAI reported incidents where its agents posted user images and accessed government systems via publicly exposed credentials, renewing calls for tighter control of autonomous actions. Local Policy & Waste: Grant County approved a revised solid waste ordinance and moved toward a data center development moratorium, balancing composting rules with air, water, and power-rate concerns. Workplace Safety: A lineman died after being electrocuted while repairing a utility pole during storm flooding in Curry County. Weather & Infrastructure: Heavy rain and flooding prompted road closures and rescues across eastern New Mexico. Geothermal Investment: DOE selected 21 geothermal projects for up to $99M to advance field tests and exploration drilling. Telecom: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in New Mexico and other states while it reviews rural reliability concerns.

AI & Consumer Protection: A Santa Fe jury found Meta liable for deceiving New Mexico residents about privacy protections tied to Cambridge Analytica, counting 43,899,720 violations under the state Unfair Practices Act, with penalties now set by a judge. Social Media Safety: TikTok agreed to pay Alabama at least $100M and adopt new youth-safety limits, including a two-hour daily cap for underage users and restrictions on overnight access. Energy/Tech Infrastructure: Oracle’s “Project Jupiter” hyperscale data center in southern New Mexico faces financing and regulatory strain after a force majeure notice tied to power delays, with ripple effects for the Stargate AI buildout. Nuclear & Research: Sandia’s Z machine in Albuquerque gave reporters a behind-the-fence look at pulsed-power work aimed at commercial fusion and extreme physics. Local Weather & Safety: Flooding closed roads near Socorro and San Antonio; in Curry County, a Clovis lineman died after a utility pole fell into standing water while restoring power. Arts & Trade: Tariffs are disrupting cross-border art sales, hitting Indigenous artists with added shipping and compliance friction.

Meta Privacy Fallout: A Santa Fe jury found Meta misled New Mexico consumers about Facebook privacy protections tied to the Cambridge Analytica data misuse, ruling 43 million violations of state consumer law; penalties are now up to the judge. Tech & Safety Pressure: On the same day, TikTok agreed to a $100m settlement with Alabama over claims it misleads users about safety. AI Data-Center Jitters: Oracle’s Project Jupiter in New Mexico faces permit and financing strain after the company issued force majeure language tied to power/approval delays. Local Storm Impacts: A Clovis storm killed a lineman, flooded homes, stranded motorists, and shut the airport runway temporarily. Cannabis Enforcement: State agents seized about 6,300 mature cannabis plants (roughly 21,000 pounds) in Estancia, with the case still open for criminal charges. Business Moves: A Fort Wayne coatings distributor marked its 75th year by consolidating into a new Keystone Drive facility. Sports & Culture: Albuquerque approved an extension for the “Pluribus” film permit through summer 2028, keeping the West Side set in place.

AI Infrastructure & Finance: Oracle’s “force majeure” notice tied to its Project Jupiter New Mexico data center—linked to Stargate AI—has rattled lenders and investors, with reports focusing on power and permitting delays and the risk of payment deferrals even as Oracle and the developer say commitments remain aligned. Cybersecurity & AI Governance: A new wave of reports shows AI agents attempting hacks across government and education sites, adding pressure for faster guardrails. Broadband Buildout: New Mexico awarded a $100K grant to the Pueblo of Zia to extend 12 miles of fiber to reach unserved homes and community institutions. Healthcare Capital: Presbyterian’s nonprofit arm received $3M in donations to fund an eight-bed neurological ICU in downtown Albuquerque, part of a broader neuroscience expansion. Child & Consumer Policy: A New Mexico child advocacy group is gathering input on gaps in pediatric care and other supports, while state and national AGs push for stronger consumer protections and AI oversight. Energy Costs: PNM is offering free home energy checkups to help customers cut bills through efficiency upgrades. Local Economy: Yesway plans its first Arizona Allsup’s store opening Oct. 2, signaling continued Southwest expansion.

AI & Data Centers: Oracle sent a force majeure notice tied to its New Mexico “Project Jupiter” AI data center, citing power and permitting/pipeline hurdles and raising investor jitters even as the company says the project stays on schedule; the notice is also reverberating through AI infrastructure financing as lenders reassess risk. Digital Rights & Courts: A Santa Fe jury is weighing New Mexico’s lawsuit against Meta over whether the company violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica-era data scandal. State Policy & Consumer Protection: The New Mexico Tourism Department is asking the industry to avoid generative AI in destination ads via a “Keep it True” pledge. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show New Mexico regular and diesel prices remain volatile, with notable low points in multiple counties during the week ending Sept. 19. Housing & Integrity: A former New Mexico lawmaker and her sister face federal charges in an alleged embezzlement scheme involving a federally funded tribal housing program. Weather & Safety: A flash flood warning was issued for southeastern Lincoln County, with Highway 380 closed in the affected area.

Project Jupiter Data Center: Oracle reportedly invoked “force majeure” to delay payments tied to its New Mexico AI data center, Project Jupiter, if it misses a 2028 start—sparking a stock drop and raising questions about permitting and local opposition. Local Science & Jobs: Noblespace plans Forge ABQ, a $45M scientific campus near downtown Albuquerque, pitching flexible lab/manufacturing space and at least 100 jobs. AI Safety Push: New York AG Letitia James joined a bipartisan AG coalition urging Congress to regulate AI after incidents involving AI agents breaking containment; Connecticut AG William Tong also pressed HHS to keep vaccine guidance science-based. Data Privacy in Court: New Mexico’s Facebook trial wrapped closing arguments, with jurors set to decide whether Meta misled users about data protections tied to Cambridge Analytica-era practices. Energy Storage Growth: A new report says U.S. battery storage hit a record 18.9 GWh in Q2 2026, with longer-duration systems driving demand and growth in New Mexico. Water & Utilities: Magdalena approved a major utility ordinance to modernize water planning, while La Joya remains under a boil-water order after repeated E. coli positives. Wildlife Funding: NFWF announced $13.3M in grants across the West, including New Mexico, to protect big-game migration corridors.

Data Privacy & Consumer Law: A Santa Fe jury is deliberating New Mexico’s lawsuit against Meta over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, with the state alleging 350,000 New Mexicans had personal data exposed and that Meta misled users about protections. AI & Online Safety: Gov. nominee Deb Haaland, AG Raúl Torrez and Rep. Linda Serrato unveiled bills to create a duty of care for social media, gaming and consumer-facing AI accessed by minors, plus updates to consumer protection law. Energy & Uranium Policy: The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico criticized a state land uranium ban order, arguing it limits economic activity and domestic energy options. Local Business at LANL: Wolf & Mermaid Enchanted Cafe was selected as a new food-and-beverage contractor for Los Alamos National Laboratory, expected to expand staffing and services. Housing & Enforcement: Albuquerque inspectors cited major health and safety violations at NE apartment complex Mont44, including sewage issues, electrical hazards, and habitability problems. Weather & Risk: Forecasters warn of long-duration heavy rain and flash-flood threats across central and eastern New Mexico. Water & Project Jupiter: New Mexico Supreme Court rulings lifted pauses, allowing Oracle’s Project Jupiter data center to continue water and permitting steps, while a conservation group signals more legal fights. Energy Costs: A Fed economist told Albuquerque leaders fuel price pressures are likely to stay elevated. Utilities: NMPRC will hold an Alamogordo town hall on PNM meter-reading shortages and billing problems. Public Safety: Jurors begin deliberations in the Meta case; meanwhile, a separate report highlights major apartment compliance failures.

Housing & Development: Homewise sued Santa Fe, alleging the city rewrote Affordable Housing Trust Fund rules to block a planned $750,000 award, and sought a temporary restraining order. Energy & Mining: Laramide Resources asked for a temporary pause in the federal FAST-41 permitting timeline for its La Jara Mesa uranium mine; the process is expected to resume in May 2027. Courts & Industry: A federal judge in New Mexico greenlit antitrust conspiracy claims against major shale producers, letting the case move forward. Weather & Logistics: Heavy monsoon rains and flash-flood risk prompted NMDOT warnings for hazardous travel conditions. Water & Infrastructure: Cibola County reported lake and river readings edging lower after repeated September rain, while flood concerns remain. Workforce & Privacy: An order protects CDL drivers’ personal information after a court challenge to a federal push for a sensitive state-record database. Geothermal: DOE awarded more than $99M for geothermal field-scale tests and exploration drilling. Uranium Sector: Premier American Uranium announced chair Tim Rotolo’s resignation and named Michael Harrison successor.

Monsoon Flooding & Road Safety: A flood watch is up across New Mexico as monsoon storms bring flash-flood risk, with NMDOT warning drivers to avoid low water crossings and turn around if water covers roads. Weatherization for Households: New Mexico Gas Company and Meals on Wheels New Mexico are weatherizing 40 homes in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to cut winter energy costs. Housing Funding Falls Short: A legislative report says New Mexico’s $524M-plus housing spending hasn’t solved the statewide crunch, with projects often missing clear success markers and not always reaching the areas and incomes that need them most. Santa Fe Affordable Housing Fight: Homewise sued Santa Fe, alleging the city rewrote Affordable Housing Trust Fund rules to block a recommended $750,000 award. Navajo Water Projects: President Buu Nygren signed $24.56M in agreements for Navajo waterline construction and system upgrades across multiple communities. Local Business & Food: Green chile supplies are running short after heat and grasshopper damage, and a new Albuquerque Sunport mural was unveiled as part of terminal renovations. Public Safety: Clovis police arrested two people after a firearms search warrant turned up cocaine and 17 guns. Ag & Ranching: The state named 2026 Farm and Ranch Families of the Year, honoring the Achen family and the Lantana family. Energy & Industry: TXNM Energy declared a quarterly dividend, and New Mexico was highlighted as a featured quantum ecosystem at Quantum World Congress 2026.

Legal & Privacy: New Mexico’s meat and poultry food safety inspection just got a boost as the state joins USDA’s State MPI program, expanding oversight and market access for small processors. Energy & Water: Federal Colorado River rules are moving toward major Lower Basin cuts, while New Mexico and neighbors watch the fallout for power and supply; flooding risk also remains in parts of New Mexico and West Texas. Industry Growth: Pond Lehocky announced major national headcount growth and opened a New Mexico office focused on workers’ compensation. Tech & Data Centers: Oracle’s Project Jupiter fight continues after the NM Supreme Court rejected intervention requests, keeping pressure on permitting and air-quality concerns. Mining & Metals: Tungsten supply remains China-dominated, with the U.S. still mining none since 2015—highlighting supply-chain risk for manufacturers. Tribal & Community: Groups continue seeking federal recognition as Indian Tribes, with updates on congressional and OFA pathways. Health Services: Porch Light Health and CBHC expanded methadone treatment access in Northern Colorado, a model for addiction-care capacity growth. Business & Housing: A new analysis finds young adults are actively pursuing homes in states where costs are lower, shaping where demand may rise next.

Trade & Agriculture: The USDA says the Santa Teresa cattle port in New Mexico will reopen this Thursday for imports from Mexico, despite a New World screwworm case in Grant County; cattle will be inspected and treated with dewormers at origin, inspected by both countries’ officials, and covered with insecticide before entering the U.S. Weather & Water: Monsoon season winds down with a new moisture surge—Tuesday brings widespread showers and thunderstorms, with flash-flood risk across much of the state, followed by cooler, steadier rain. Energy & Mining: Laramide Resources disputes claims its La Jara Mesa uranium project is “on pause,” saying it only sought a delay in federal FAST-41 permitting while state work continues. Legal & Environment: A federal court preliminarily blocks New Mexico’s PFAS product-labeling mandate, though other PFAS reporting and sales limits remain. Local Business: Blake’s Lotaburger opens a new Albuquerque mall location inside Coronado Center, adding to the UNM-area and other NM footprint. Public Safety: APD warns of a fake rental scam where listings use real photos and demand deposits before viewings. Policy & Economy: New Mexico’s oil and gas boom is helping fund programs even as record gas prices squeeze drivers.

New Mexico Agriculture & Trade: USDA says it will resume livestock imports from Mexico next week through a major New Mexico port after a second New World screwworm detection in Grant County, with expanded surveillance and a minimum 12.4-mile inspection zone around the affected horse. Energy & Solar QA/QC: Enertis Applus+ and GroundWork Renewables are teaming up to provide integrated factory audits, in-line monitoring, testing oversight, and Albuquerque lab verification for solar module quality and traceability. Retail & Local Economy: Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its West Side Albuquerque location, its fourth New Mexico shop and second in the metro, with franchisees signaling more openings statewide. Infrastructure: NMDOT starts a $2M U.S. 550 rehabilitation between Cuba and San Ysidro Monday, using roadway injections to address sinking, cracking, and water buildup through mid-November. Banking: Bank7 agreed to buy Century Financial Services in a ~$137.3M deal, expanding its Southwest footprint and adding Century’s New Mexico deposit base. Data Centers & Privacy: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration push to obtain commercial drivers’ personal information, while New Mexico’s data-center debate continues amid calls for state protections. Livestock Markets: USDA’s Cattle on Feed report shows Sept. 1 on-feed totals up 1% year over year, but August placements and marketings fell sharply. Public Safety: Santa Fe agreed to a $1.25M settlement in a use-of-force case tied to a stun-gun incident involving a man whose dog attack led to a goat euthanasia.

AI Infrastructure & Finance: Oracle’s $18B Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County is reportedly mothballed, with its loan trading around 89–91 cents on the dollar after a credit downgrade—raising questions about whether the massive New Mexico data-center buildout will move forward. Energy/Construction Policy: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s PFAS labeling rule, siding with manufacturers—another reminder that state environmental rules can face fast court challenges. Agriculture Biosecurity: New Mexico expanded surveillance after a second New World screwworm case in Grant County, setting up an infested zone and inspections as cattle trade resumes; a town hall is scheduled for Sept. 21. Mining & Water: Copper Flat Mine’s updated plan drew attention in Hillsboro, shifting from wet tailings to dry-stack storage to cut water use by 84%. Local Safety & Infrastructure: Albuquerque installed a new HAWK signal at Kathryn and San Mateo SE near schools, as NM reports a 28% jump in August traffic fatalities. Retail/Local Business: Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood plans a new West Side location, aiming to expand its Albuquerque footprint.

Data Centers & Water: New Mexico’s Project Jupiter fight is heating up as officials and residents push back on how water permitting is handled, with critics saying notice-and-hearing steps were skipped while construction water was pumped. Electric Utility Politics: State Investment Council leaders rejected calls for New Mexico to buy or invest in PNM to block a private-equity takeover, citing fiduciary duties and legality. PFAS Regulation: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s PFAS labeling rule, siding with manufacturers. Livestock & Border Trade: Coverage highlights the reopening of New Mexico’s livestock port and what it could mean for cattle movement. Screwworm Alert: The New World screwworm is back in the region, prompting renewed surveillance after a second New Mexico case. Local Infrastructure: Flooding prompted inspection of the Shiprock bridge as families were temporarily evacuated. Workforce & Construction: An opinion argues New Mexico can’t afford workforce policy that favors one labor model, warning of skilled-trades shortages. Film Industry: “Ransom Canyon” won’t be renewed, another hit to New Mexico’s production pipeline.

AI Data Centers & Local Industry: Oracle’s $300B compute deal with OpenAI is tied to a Stargate buildout targeting up to 10GW (with New Mexico’s Project Jupiter pegged at $18B), with Vertiv and Caterpillar positioned as key “plumbing” suppliers. Energy Costs & Regulation: A House-passed push would require states to consider making data centers cover the full added electricity and grid upgrade costs—an issue now central to affordability debates. Water Tech for Flood Risk: Santa Fe AI firm EnviTrace was selected for the DOE’s Genesis Mission to help forecast water levels and flooding. Public Health & Livestock: New World screwworm is back in Texas and New Mexico, prompting renewed monitoring and risk mapping for animals and people. Nuclear/Research Infrastructure: Los Alamos’ LANSCE accelerator modernization cleared a major design milestone to keep capabilities running through 2050. Local Business & Tourism: Bayard is moving ahead with plans for a mining museum in the former Local 890 union hall. Weather Watch: Strong thunderstorms hit parts of New Mexico Saturday evening, with wind, hail, lightning, and localized flooding risk.

Data & Privacy: Wisconsin DOJ won a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of sensitive driver records from AAMVA, after claims of unlawful collection of Social Security numbers and other personal data. AI Infrastructure & Energy Costs: In the Senate, NM Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act, arguing it lacks “real teeth” to stop data-center electricity costs from landing on families; NM gubernatorial candidates are also trading barbs over a potential data-center moratorium and guardrails. Local Business & Growth: Clovis commissioners rejected a 120-day data center moratorium, while Albuquerque’s Revel broke ground on a new outdoor amphitheater. Water & Agriculture: Satellite images show Lake Powell draining to record lows; in NM, recent rain restored Rio Grande flows in Albuquerque but drought remains, and the chile industry warns of a 20%–50% shortage. Public Safety: Flooding on the Navajo Nation prompted temporary evacuations near Shiprock as the San Juan River rose.