New Mexico Lawmakers Seek Extension Of Solar Tax Credit
-Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
More than $31 million — that's how much New Mexico homeowners and businesses spent on rooftop solar and solar heating systems in 2015 under an incentive program offered by the state.
All the data has yet to be entered, but that's the preliminary number crunched by the agency that oversees a key tax credit that has bolstered the solar industry over the last decade.
Since the credit is set to expire at the end of 2016, a bipartisan contingent of New Mexico lawmakers is pushing to extend the program through 2024.
They say the credit amounts to a relatively modest investment when considering the return.
According to state figures, nearly $14 million in credits were issued and owners spent more than $140 million on solar equipment between 2008 and 2014.
New Mexico Adds Online Voter Registration – The Associated Press
New Mexico is allowing voters to register online for the first time.
The secretary of state's online system began accepting new registration applications Friday. It also handles changes to names, addresses and political party affiliation.
The move is part of an effort that began a few years ago to modernize the system. The goal is to create a one-stop shop where voters can access and update their information online, find polling places and read sample ballots.
At least 26 other states offer online voter registration.
Registration requires a New Mexico driver's license or state identification number. Applicants also need to provide a social security number, date of birth and address.
The online applications are checked by county clerks to confirm eligibility, and make sure there's no duplication.
Influx Of Teen Migrants Leads US To Open 3 More Shelters
-Colleen Slevin, Associated Press
The U.S. government plans to open new shelters in New Mexico, Colorado, and Florida to house young Central American immigrants as part of an effort to deal with a renewed influx of unaccompanied children coming across the border.
Up to 400 immigrants are expected to be housed at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, 1,000 children in a warehouse outside Denver, and 800 at a Job Corps site in Florida
The government is trying to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2014 when so many children crossed the border that they were forced to stay in Border Patrol facilities.
Volunteers To Gather At Abiquiu Lake For Eagle Watch – The Associated Press
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a midwinter eagle watch at Abiquiu Lake on Jan. 9.
The purpose is to collect data that will help with efforts to track the birds and help ensure their habitat is adequate for their numbers.
The annual event in northern New Mexico is open to the public.
Volunteers who want to help at Abiquiu Lake are asked to dress warmly and bring binoculars, notepads and drinking water.