PNM Merger Breakdown (Part 1) Permian Basin Activity and Changing Derogatory Place Names | 12.6.21

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus sits down with executives involved in a potential multi-billion-dollar public utility merger that could have big implications for citizens across the state. Hear why those corporate leaders say this will be a good thing for customers in New Mexico, despite concerns over Avangrid’s past issues on the East Coast.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is moving to remove the word ‘Squaw’ from all federal lands, citing the derogatory connotations it carries for Native Americans. Our panel discusses the timing of the decision, and the influence of Sec. Haaland’s Native voice in Washington, D.C..

And, we look back on a report earlier this year for Our Land, with Correspondent Laura Paskus, where explored the power of what we name places in New Mexico, and shares a December conversation with then-U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland – about legislation she was proposing that hopes to make those names more culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Correspondents:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Pat Vincent-Collawn, PNM Resources, President and CEO

Pedro Azagra Blázquez, Corporate Development Director, Iberdola

Don Tarry, PNM Resources, Senior Vice President and CFO

Line Opinion Panelists:

Cathy McGill, NM Black Leadership Council

Sophie Martin, attorney

Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip

For More Information:

PNM Merger Statement

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Discusses PNM / AVANGRID Merger – KPVI TV

PNM/Avangrid merger under heavy fire at PRC – Albuquerque Journal

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland moves to ban the word 'squaw' from federal lands – NPR

Deb Haaland is taking on racist names on federal lands – Salon

States Slowly Erasing Word 'Squaw' From Maps – Pew Stateline

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