EcoNewMexico.com

Are you wondering about the railroad construction stretching from downtown past La Bajada hill to the south? All that construction is a big clue that the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is coming to Santa Fe.

On July 31, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency issued a PSD (Prevention of Significant Deterioration) permit for the Desert Rock Energy Facility in New Mexico's Four Corner's region. In response, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Attorney General Gary King announced their intention to immediately file an appeal of the U.S.

Here's another plant that serves many purposes in the desert Southwest. Cholla (genus Cylindropuntia, family Cactaceae) grows in the plains and foothills across the Southwest. It's a native species, closely related to the Prickly Pear, that grows in thin soil and on hot, dry sun-baked locations.

Governor Richardson has extended a state ban on new crude oil and gas drilling in Santa Fe County and the Galisteo Basin through January 24, 2009. The moratorium will allow more time for government agencies to gather information and begin rulemakings to protect water aquifers, archaeological and cultural resources, and wildlife in this ecologically fragile area.

How do you use your National Forests? Are you a camper, hiker, equestrian, mountain biker, motorcyclist or an Off-road driver? Given that the National Forests aren't growing (in acreage) but the number of users is, there is some friction between different user groups. To address growing traffic in the woods, the US Forest Service is asking for your input on how our National Forests should be used in a new Travel Management Plan.

The Santa Fe National Forest released its

Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.

Those were the simple directions at the end of The Omnivore's Dilemma. It's a straightforward and direct answer to the question "What should people eat?" Yet somehow, that wasn't clear enough for a lot of people. What is food? How much is too much? What kind of plants? Etcetera and so on. So, Michael Pollan wrote In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto.

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the flowers. But, smell carefully. The cacti are in bloom along the Dorothy Stewart trail where I saw a bee busily collecting nectar and spreading pollen on this Prickly Pear blossom. It was definitely worth taking a moment to smell the flowers to see this, despite getting drenched in a downpour later on that mountain bike ride.

More Info:

Wikipedia: Prickly Pear Cactus

Wikipedia: Bees

What: Taos Solar Music Festival
When: June 27th - 29th, 2008
Where: Kit Carson Memorial Park, Taos, NM

The 10th Annual Taos Solar Music Festival is a great chance to see some of the best live music under the Sun. The festival features national touring acts and local favorite musicians in the solar capital of Northern New Mexico. Put on your dancing shoes and sunscreen for three days of music, food, renewable energy demonstrations, environmental and wildlife protection groups, green builders, solar and wind technicians and installers, and more!

Musical Acts

What: Bike To Work Week
When: May 12 - 16, 2008
Where: Nationwide

If you're looking for a way to save money on gas this year, here's a way to get unlimited miles per gallon. Instead of a gas-guzzling car, truck or SUV, try driving a bicycle to work for a week. The League of American Bicyclists is sponsoring their annual Bike to Work Week and Bike to work Day from May 12 through 16 this year. Check out the Bike Month Special Events to see what events may be happening near you.

What: Sustainability Week and GreenBuilt Tour New Mexico
When: May 10 - 18, 2008
Where: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, NM

I've been reading about Green Building and scores of new ideas and technologies being developed. With so many possible building designs and techniques the choices can be overwhelming. I think it's time to check out some green homes and buildings to see what works and what doesn't. Just in time for Spring home improvement and house hunting season here comes Sustainability Week and the New Mexico GreenBuilt Tour.