Tipping Point New Mexico

403 Gas Prices, Electricity Problems, Forest Fires and more

As gas prices in the U.S. have reach new all-time highs, with the national average at $4.48 per gallon, the Biden Administration has canceled more oil and gas leases.   New Mexico’s energy transition is already failing, Paul and Wally explain why.  A solar trade dispute means less than half of PNM’s solar is ready for Summer 2023. A state representative explains the solar tariff issue and also explicitly states that the Energy Transition Act was designed to shut down San Juan Generating ...

402 Daniel Suhr - Vaccine Mandates and Roe Leak

Daniel Suhr is a Managing Attorney with the Liberty Justice Center, a conservative non-profit legal firm. Paul and Daniel discuss vaccine mandates, the judiciary's performance during COVID, and numerous other issues relating to COVID and the government's use of emergencies. They also discuss the Roe v. Wade leak (and apparent decision) and their implications for the Court.

401 Clean Car Rule, "Living Lots" for Albuquerque, Virgin Galactic Delayed Again and more

New Mexico's unelected Environmental Improvement Board has adopted a new "clean car rule" at the urging of Gov. Lujan Grisham. California’s (and New Mexico’s)  standards will require roughly 7% of new cars sold to be zero emission in 2025. In the 3rd quarter of 2021 zero emission vehicles amounted to just 2.29% of new vehicle sales in New Mexico. So, those sales will need to just more than triple from Q3 of 2021 to 2025. The rule could get much more restrictive soon as California Gov. Gavin ...

SP10 - Greg Zanetti Candidate for New Mexico Governor

Greg Zanetti, GOP candidate for Governor: Zanetti was a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army and investment advisor. Paul and Greg discuss his background and the race to challenge Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in November.

SP9 Mark Ronchetti - Candidate for New Mexico Governor

Mark Ronchetti, GOP candidate for Governor: Ronchetti is a former weatherman. Paul and Mark discuss his background and the race to challenge Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in November.

SP8 Rebecca Dow - Candidate for New Mexico Governor

Rebecca Dow, GOP candidate for Governor: Dow is the only sitting legislator in the race for Gov. Paul and Rebecca discuss her legislative record and the race to challenge Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in November.

SP7 Jay Block - Candidate for New Mexico Governor

Jay Block, GOP candidate for Governor: Block is a Sandoval County Commissioner. Paul and Jay discuss his efforts as a county commissioner and the race to challenge Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in November.

400 Garrett Ballengee of Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

Paul visits with Garrett Ballengee, Executive Director of the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy. They discuss West Virginia's culture and politics, the current economic and social forces impacting the state and an outlook for the future. 

SP6 Paul Gessing on the Forgotten America Podcast

This episode is a re-release of Paul Gessing’s appearance on the Forgotten America Podcast with host Garrett Ballengee, executive director of the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy. Forgotten America is a podcast about the many places that get flown over, driven past, or completely forgotten and the people who call these places home, and the unique challenges faced by rural America and solutions to those challenges.  Garrett and Paul discuss some of the ways that West Virginia a...

399 Legislative Finance Committee Report on Albuquerque Public Schools and more

On this week's conversation Paul and Wally discuss the Legislative Finance Committee's new report on Albuquerque Public Schools. The report has important information for state and school districts across New Mexico.  Student loan forgiveness as Joe Biden has discussed doing would be highly regressive (AND bad policy). Albuquerque is considering sanctioned homeless camps. Wally and Paul explain why this and other supposed "solutions" are problematic.  Natural gas prices are increasing....

SP5 Representative Yvette Herrell

On this special podcast edition Paul sits down with New Mexico Congressman Yvette Herrell. She and Paul discuss redistricting and the changes made to her 2nd Congressional district. Rep. Herrell also discusses current economic, energy, and border security issues facing New Mexico that she is working on in Congress.  You don't want to miss this special conversation!  

398 Brian Riedl on the Federal Budget, Debt, and Inflation

Brian Riedl is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, focusing on budget, tax, and economic policy. Paul and Brian have known each other and worked together since their days in Washington, DC. On this episode Brian and Paul discuss the sorry state of the federal budget and what the Biden budget proposal would do to worsen the situation. They contemplate inflation and its many causes including all of the recent Pandemic spending bills that passed (and some that have not). Finally, they a...

SP4 Michelle Garcia Holmes – Candidate for U.S. Congress – New Mexico Congressional District 1

In the second of what will be a handful of “special” episodes of Tipping Point NM, Paul sits down with congressional candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes. Michelle is a Republican former Albuquerque Police Department officer running in New Mexico’s revised 1st District with a primary battle to be decided by voters on June 7. Based on recently redrawn maps, this district could be highly competitive for Republicans looking to unseat Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury. The Foundation has reached out...

397 National Media Gets It Wrong, NM Most Dependent on Federal Government and more

RGF is now hiring. Find out more. The media failed to include some important details on a recent CNM story. RGF Paul and Wally correct the record on CNM "cutting" programs. Speaking of the media getting things wrong, a Politico story gets numerous facts wrong in its attempt to praise New Mexico Democrats on energy. Friday was Earth Day. Paul and Wally celebrate the very real progress we’ve made on the environment: Here's how NM’s K-12 spending compares to our neighbors. Unfortunatel...

396 Border Issues with Rodney Scott and Russell Johnson

On this week's interview Paul sits down with Rodney Scott, a retired chief of the US Border Patrol and Luna County rancher Russell Johnson.  Although the Rio Grande Foundation does not work directly on border policy issues, there is no question that what happens at the border impacts New Mexicans and is also newsworthy nowadays. This conversation separates border security from immigration policy while diving into several of the important issues facing the United States (and especially thos...

SP3 Louie Sanchez - Candidate for U.S. Congress - New Mexico Congressional District 1

In the first of what will be a handful of "special" episodes of Tipping Point NM, Paul sits down with congressional candidate Louie Sanchez. Louie is a Republican businessman and entrepreneur running in New Mexico's revised 1st District with a primary battle to be decided by voters on June 7. Based on recently redrawn maps, this district could be highly competitive for Republicans looking to unseat Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury. The Foundation has reached out to Stansbury as well as Sanc...

395 Biden raises royalties, reduces leases, stupidity of ethanol, Rail Runner, IPRA

394 Brydon Ross - Impact of Energy Infrastructure

On Tipping Point we regularly cover energy issues, but here and elsewhere the pipelines, power lines, and critical and complicated ways in which energy resources are shipped around the globe and to customers is ignored.    On this week's interview Paul talks to Brydon Ross. He heads up the Consumer Energy Alliance's State Affairs Policy groups and manages their Pipelines for America Campaign. Ross is incredibly knowledgeable on infrastructure issues impacting everything from venting and ...

393 New Mexico's Pandemic Performance Ranking, Is Richard Branson Abandoning Virgin Galactic? and more

National report gives MLG poor marks on pandemic performance. You can find the report here. The Wall Street Journal also covered the report here.   MLG extended the health order until April 15. Arizona and even Oregon have allowed their emergencies to expire.  The recent special session of the New Mexico Legislature resulted in tax “rebates.” Taxpayers will receive checks of $250/$500 by June 30 depending on single/couple filing status with a second check coming in August. These are “re...

392 What's Happening with Albuquerque and Santa Fe Housing Markets with Evan Jones

On this week's conversation Paul talks to Evan Jones. Evan is on the board of the Foundation and is a realtor in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe markets for Keller Williams.  Paul and Evan discuss the crazy housing market right now and the varying factors creating it. They discuss who is coming in and where they are going and why. They also discuss solutions for the seemingly out-of-control housing market pricing situation.  Whether you are in the market for a house or just interested in th...

391 Rebates for New Mexicans, Delayed Social Skills in Children, Energy Prices and more

The New Mexico Legislature is in a special session today discussing "rebates" for New Mexicans.  States are ending their COVID emergencies, but what about New Mexico?  The Pandemic has delayed the social skills of young children. Where’s Deb Haaland hits the “big time” at National Review online. The article is behind a paywall so you can read it here on the RGF website.  Searchlight NM has an interesting report that highlights the challenge of keeping the lights and homes warm for p...

390 Clarence Washington, Sr., Author of "Hijacked, How Dr. King's Dream Became a Nightmare"

On this week's interview Paul interviews Clarence Washington, Sr. A long-time resident of New Mexico, Clarence is the author of a four-part book series (which can be found and purchased here) "Hijacked, How Dr. King's Dream Became a Nightmare." In this conversation Clarence goes into detail about Dr. King's legacy, what went wrong and why, and what can be done to restore race relations in America and improve conditions for black Americans. You don't want to miss this informative conversation. 

389 How much will you get from $$Special Session and more

388 Robert McEntyre - New Mexico's Oil and Gas Industry

Paul visits with Robert McEntyre of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) about the state of the industry.  They discuss domestic oil and gas production issues against the backdrop of international energy price volatility. They address the impact gasoline prices are having in the United States and New Mexico and policy decisions that have hindered domestic oil and gas production.  

387 Where's Deb Haaland?, Special Session, and the passing of Pat Rogers

Where's Interior Secretary Deb Haaland been hiding? New Mexico Legislature to convene for special session on April 5. Some kind of "relief" for taxpayers and reconsideration of the vetoed "junior" bill will be on the agenda for the session beginning April 5. Looks like the controversial election bill will not be on the agenda (thankfully).   If the Legislature were to suspend New Mexico's 17 cent gas tax, it would save motorists $240 million annually. The ABQ Journal has a three par...

386: Rep. Randall Pettigrew on NM Session, special?, and Hobbs/SE NM economy

385 Governor Veto, Candidate Pledge, Unemployment and more

384 Trent England of Save Our States

On this week's interview Paul interviews Trent England of Save Our States. Trent spends most of his time working to save the Electoral College, but Paul and Trent have a wide-ranging conversation about the unique features of the American constitutional system that have prevented some of the worst overreaches of government in foreign countries, especially during the COVID pandemic. Everything from lack of a national police force to federalism is discussed but so are some of the problems wit...

383 Plastic Bags, Oil Policy and Prices, APS Spending, NM Unemployment, Rail Runner

Albuquerque City Council eliminated the plastic bag ban on a 6-3 vote. That's veto-proof. Will the majority hold and override a mayoral veto?  Biden hasn’t held an onshore lease sale and is the only President in at least two decades not to have done so in a given year. Approvals for new liquefied natural gas terminals and expansions are also sitting at the Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, according to the American Petroleum Institute. The Wall Street Journa...

382 John Block - Piñon Post

On this week's podcast interview Paul sits down with John Block. John blogs and reports at the Piñon Post. At the Post Block reports and comments on New Mexico politics from the conservative perspective. John and Paul discuss the recent GOP pre-primary convention and highlight some of the candidates running in important races. They also discuss the challenges in voting that occurred and the enthusiasm of the recent convention for big changes to our State.  Finally, Paul and John discuss the ...

381 Keeping the Lights On, Oil and Gas, Supreme Court and more

380 Representative Stefani Lord - 2022 Legislative Session

On this week's podcast discussion Paul sits down with Rep. Stefani Lord to discuss the recently-completed New Mexico legislative session.  Stefani, a Republican, represents the East Mountains outside Albuquerque. She was the top performer in the Foundation's Freedom Index vote tracking site during the 2022 session. Paul and Stefani discuss why she ran for the Legislature in the first place, some of the big news stories (not just legislation) of the session, and then address the most import...

379 No More Masks, Education Track Record, Freedom Index and more

At long last, New Mexico's mask mandate has finally been lifted. Most, but not all schools and school districts have also ended their mandates although UNM and CNM have not. Here are some things that STILL need to be done to restore freedom in New Mexico. The unions have also changed their position on masks while ALSO acknowledging that masking kids had a negative impact on learning. While she will tout the amount of money she and the Legislature will spend on education, no amount of money...

378 Phil Ord of Americans for Nuclear Energy

On this week's interview podcast Paul talks to Phil Ord of Americans for Nuclear Energy. With so many challenges facing New Mexico's power grid, why not nuclear? Paul and Phil discuss the current situation in nuclear power, why so many oppose it, and what can/should be done to keep the lights on in New Mexico. 

377 Legislative Update, Maskless Super Bowl, DUI Arrest and more

Dem. State Rep. Georgene Louis was arrested for DUI and also facing charges of speeding and failing to show her vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Super Bowl fans and celebrities attend the game (largely indoors) sans masks despite being in LA County. Kids in California (and New Mexico) continue to attend school in masks.  Numerous (blue) states continue to drop masks both indoors and in schools. New Mexico has not and will likely be among the last to do so.  More coverag...

376 Janice Arnold-Jones on New Mexico Election Laws

On this week's podcast conversation Paul discusses New Mexico's election system with former Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones. During her tenure in the Legislature Arnold-Jones was known for her work on government transparency. She has been working hard to educate voters on SB 6 and SB 8, two election bills moving forward in the current legislative session. While concerned about SB 6, Arnold-Jones has dire concerns about SB 8. Paul and Janice discuss both as well as the current state of New Mexico's ...

375 Electricity and Fireworks or Duds at Legislature and more

Is PNM looking for last-minute legislation to keep San Juan Generating Station open?  Senator Ben Ray Lujan's stroke (at age 49, no less) creates issues for Washington Democrats.   MLG extends New Mexico’s health order to March 4, by which time we’ll have been in a COVID “emergency” for 2 years (technically March 11).  Unfortunately, bills limiting the Governor's powers in an emergency have gone nowhere. Several "blue" states have taken major steps towards ending mask mandates fo...

374 Fred Nathan of New Mexico First on NM Legislation

On this week's podcast Paul interviews Fred Nathan. Fred is the founder of Think New Mexico which describes itself as a "results oriented think tank."  Rio Grande Foundation and Think New Mexico are both working on Social Security tax elimination this session. Fred's organization is working on several other issues that the Rio Grande Foundation is generally in alignment with, but we disagree on the issue of state regulations on loan interest rates. If you care about what is happening in th...

373 What's Happening at NM Legislature and more

The media is saying it has been a tough start for MLG this session (hydrogen hub, GRT bill, Social Security tax).   NM's current public health order expires on February 4. We know it will be renewed which will take us to the 2 year anniversary of COVID.  Gov. Newsom and numerous Hollywood stars attended the LA Rams game mask free. The Super Bowl which is ALSO in Los Angeles is a masked event. Canadian truckers are having a massive convoy to protest vaccine mandates.  One bill restraining...

372 APS School Board Member Peggy Muller-Aragon

On this week's interview, Paul sits down with Albuquerque Public Schools board member Peggy Muller Aragon. Peggy has been a lone conservative voice on the APS school board, but recently gained some support from a group of more conservative/parent-focused board members. Paul and Peggy talk mask mandates and the latest round of restrictions being imposed on students through the Public Education Department. They discuss what the Board can do about it and what Paul WANTS the Board to do which is...

371 Will New Mexico Eliminate Tax on Social Security? and more

Gov. Lujan Grisham endorses Social Security tax elimination. Can abolition of Social Security taxation pass this session (without revenue offsets)? Also, MLG gives her State of the State address which Paul thought was well-done given the circumstances; Paul headed to Santa Fe for the session last week. The Legislature's approach to COVID is a farce. Enhanced COVID policies have been implemented administratively at APS. Subsequent changes have been made, but Paul and Wally discuss the need ...

370 Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis

On this week's podcast interview Paul sits down with Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis. They discuss the big changes that happened last election and what it means for Albuquerque. They talk about some of the major issues facing New Mexico's largest city including crime, homelessness, and the need to lower taxes and make the City a better place to do business.  Changes are coming to Albuquerque and Councilor Lewis explains how he and the new more conservative majority are going to work to ...

369 COVID-19 Censorship, Mask Fine, Legislative Session and more

On this week's podcast, Paul and Wally begin by noting that the Foundation's recent interview with Dr. Deane Waldman was censored by Youtube. The Foundation is currently working to find another video hosting site to host interviews and discussions.  A new report from Yahoo News via the London Telegraph indicates COVID was both man-made AND leaked from a lab and Fauci lied about it. MLG Cancels MLK parade due to COVID, but Comicon goes on as scheduled at the ABQ Convention Center.  Loc...

368 Dr. Deane Waldman - Medical Establishment Failures

On this week's podcast Paul sits down with Dr. Deane Waldman. Deane is a former pediatric cardiologist at UNMH in Albuquerque. In addition to practicing as a medical doctor, he has an MBA and writes regularly on health care issues on his website. Paul and Dr. Deane talk extensively about COVID and how the medical establishment failed over the last two years. Deane and Paul leave no stones unturned in this thought-provoking and informative conversation. 

367 CDC finally gets curious, Bad Bills Drafted and much more

COVID cases at record levels in New Mexico. More than 4,000 cases for the first time EVER. Lujan Grisham extended the universal indoor mask mandate yet again on Friday. Only WA, OR, CA, HI, IL, and NM have universal indoor mask mandates.  SCOTUS heard case on Biden COVID mandates. The ignorance of several justices, especially Sotomayor was striking regarding basic COVID issues:  ·      We have over 100,000 children, which we've never had before, in serious condition, and many on ventilat...

367 CDC finally gets curious, Bad Bills Drafted and much more

COVID cases at record levels in New Mexico. More than 4,000 cases for the first time EVER. Lujan Grisham extended the universal indoor mask mandate yet again on Friday. Only WA, OR, CA, HI, IL, and NM have universal indoor mask mandates.  SCOTUS heard case on Biden COVID mandates. The ignorance of several justices, especially Sotomayor was striking regarding basic COVID issues:  ·      We have over 100,000 children, which we've never had before, in serious condition, and many on ventilat...

366 Carla Sonntag - New Mexico Business Coalition

On this week's interview, Paul talks to Carla Sonntag. Carla is CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, a pro-business activism group that works on public policy in New Mexico. Paul and Carla discuss the Coalition's activities and the issues it covers. Specifically, Carla and Paul address the Coalition's interest in energy issues from the oil and gas industry to utilities. Finally, they address the push by some legislators to take over PNM (and others) and create a. new statewide governmen...

366 Carla Sonntag - New Mexico Business Coalition

On this week's interview, Paul talks to Carla Sonntag. Carla is CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, a pro-business activism group that works on public policy in New Mexico. Paul and Carla discuss the Coalition's activities and the issues it covers. Specifically, Carla and Paul address the Coalition's interest in energy issues from the oil and gas industry to utilities. Finally, they address the push by some legislators to take over PNM (and others) and create a. new statewide governmen...

365 Policy Predictions for 2022 and more

COVID cases are at record levels nationwide seemingly due to Omicron. Paul's family recently got COVID. Here's what he experienced. On Friday SCOTUS will hear cases challenging the Biden vaccine mandate.  A national media figure FINALLY makes the case against covid lockdowns and their impact on kids. Happy 2022. What is going to happen in 2022?  Las Cruces' new ban on plastic bags takes effect on New Year's Day. Patrick Brenner addresses ABQ's (revised) plastic bag ban in ABQ Journal. ...

364 Rep. Larry Scott - Redistricting, Medical Malpractice, Clean Fuel Standard and more

On this weeks' podcast conversation, Paul interviews New Mexico State Rep. Larry Scott (R-Lea County) about the recently-completed redistricting session. Paul and Larry talk about the new maps for Congress and the Legislature that Democrats in the Legislature pushed through and what those maps mean for New Mexico.  Paul and Larry also discuss the recently-passed "corrective" to the medical malpractice bill that passed earlier this year as a big giveaway to the trial attorneys.  Finally, ...