by NMELC | Jan 7, 2025 | NMELC in the News, Press Releases
January 7, 2025
MASE Supports EPA Decision that will Protect Uranium Impacted Communities
Navajo people living with uranium mine wastes in the Churchrock area since the late 1960s today praised a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that will pave the way for disposal of more than 1 million cubic yards of wastes at a regional landfill property where it can be safely stored forever. …
by NMELC | Dec 13, 2024 | NMELC in the News, Press Releases
Announcement Revealed During Annual Environmental Justice Awards Event
December 13, 2024
Albuquerque, NM—The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) announced the winners of its Annual Environmental Justice Awards for 2024. The winners were celebrated during NMELC’s Annual EJ Awards event held on Thursday, December 12th at the Harwood Art Center in downtown Albuquerque. The five awards given out include the tongue-in-cheek “award” for Toxic Polluter, which was “awarded” to Dan Lewis, Klarissa Peña, Louie Sanchez and Brook Bassan. NMELC staff presented a mock “certificate” to the Toxic Polluter of the Year for harming the environment and the health of New Mexicans.
by NMELC | Dec 7, 2024 | NMELC in the News
By Alaina Mencinger
Santa Fe New Mexican
December 7, 2024
A plan to release vapors from containers of radioactive waste has been put on ice.
As Los Alamos National Laboratory and the National Nuclear Security Administration wait for regulatory approval and warmer weather, the venting of four 51-gallon, stainless steel pressure containers containing tritium waste will likely have to wait until the spring, at least.
Venting wasn’t scheduled for this year, as the New Mexico Environment Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hadn’t yet authorized the release, wrote LANL spokesman Steven Horak in an email to The New Mexican. Nevertheless, “readiness activities were conducted throughout the year” in case those approvals came though. …
by NMELC | Dec 2, 2024 | NMELC in the News
By Alexandra Wittenberg
Navjajo-Hopi Observer
December 2, 2024
Bertha Nez was born in a hogan built by her grandfather in 1944 in the Red Water community, 15 miles north of Church Rock, New Mexico. She has lived there her whole life, and her umbilical cord is even buried in her family’s old sheep corral on the property.
In 1979, Church Rock became known as the site of the largest radioactive spill in U.S. history. Long-term residents like Edith Hood remember those who trudged through the contaminated areas with their sheep and cattle. The humans got sores on their legs. The sheep and cattle died. …
by NMELC | Nov 19, 2024 | NMELC in the News
By Cathy Cook
Albuquerque Journal
November 19, 2024
An Española-based nonprofit is criticizing Los Alamos National Laboratory over its plans for disposing of radioactive gas.
Tewa Women United released two scientific technical reports Tuesday that assess LANL’s proposal to release tritium near White Rock. …