Deb Haaland Makes History, Special Election Set and Legislature’s Race to the Finish | 3.19.21

This week on New Mexico in Focus, The Line opinion panel looks at all the that has been accomplished so far in this unique, virtual legislative session. The panelists will also delve into what work has yet to be done, and what measures may run out of time when the session ends at 12pm on Saturday, March 20. The Line also weighs in on Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s letter to President Biden this week, asking for some relief on his Executive Order instituting an indefinite moratorium on new oil and gas leases on public lands. The move comes as she is trying to push New Mexico toward more renewable energy sources. And, the opinion panelists also reflect on Deb Haaland’s historic week, as the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination as the nation’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary. They’ll also discuss the upcoming special election to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives, which we have now learned will take place on June 1. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales also gets reaction to Deb Haaland’s history-making accomplishment. She is joined by tribal leaders, a business owner and youth advocates to discuss the importance of representation but also how indigenous communities will be holding Sec. Haaland accountable in her new role. Our Land correspondent Laura Paskus continues our series on local reaction to President Joe Biden’s Climate Change actions. This week it’s Jon Goldstein, from the Environmental Defense Fund. Goldstein works on oil and gas issues, including how to reduce methane emissions from the industry. He also served as the Energy, Minerals and Natural Services Department Secretary under former Governor Bill Richardson. Host: Gene Grant  Line opinion panelists: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima public relations  Dede Feldman, former state senator    Eric Griego, former state senator  H. Diane Snyder, former state senator Segments: Deb Haaland Makes History, Native Community Reacts Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales Guests:  Jenelle Roybal, Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor  Stephine Poston, Poston and Associates, Sandia Pueblo  Alysia Coriz, co-chair, All Pueblo Council of Governors Youth Committee (Kewa Pueblo)                               Shayna Naranjo, co-chair, All Pueblo Council of Governors Youth Committee (Khapo Owingeh) Environmental Defense Fund on Climate Change Action Correspondent: Laura Paskus, NMiF environmental reporter Guest: John Goldstein, Environmental Defense Fund