States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Fla. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Celebrates Signing of Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 24 -- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Celebrates Signing of Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill
Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida's farmers,
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 24 -- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Celebrates Signing of Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill
Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida's farmers,ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities.
"The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "With the legislative leaders' hard work this session and Governor DeSantis' signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law - protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I'm proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you're fighting for Florida's future."
Senate President Ben Albritton said, "Florida's farm families are at the heart of our rural communities, and this bill honors their contributions. Programs like Farmers Feeding Florida are a real expression of our values: helping neighbors in need and lifting up families with fresh, wholesome food. This legislation is another step toward the rural renaissance our state deserves, where opportunity thrives and our heritage is protected."
House Speaker Daniel Perez said, "In the Florida House, our priority has been clear: serve the people of Florida with responsible policy that safeguards families and strengthens our economy. The Florida Farm Bill reflects that mission by supporting agriculture, expanding opportunity, and making commonsense reforms that benefit everyday Floridians."
Senator Keith Truenow said, "This bill keeps government out of the way and lets Florida farmers do what they do best: produce for our state and country. I'm proud to work alongside Commissioner Simpson and my fellow bill sponsor in the Florida House, Representative Alvarez, to deliver laws that strengthen our communities and back the people who feed Florida."
Representative Danny Alvarez said, "When you focus on Florida, freedom, and our farmers, you get results. This Farm Bill cuts regulations that slow us down, protects families, and ensures our agricultural workforce has what it needs to keep Florida strong. I'm proud to partner with Commissioner Simpson once again on this important work."
The 2026 Florida Farm Bill includes a broad range of initiatives, including:
* Defending Floridians' Freedom to Use Gasoline-Powered Farm and Lawn Care Equipment
Defending the freedom of Florida's farmers, ranchers, and residents to use the farm and lawn care equipment of their choosing by prohibiting counties and municipalities from banning the use of gasoline or diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment.
* Protecting Natural Lands From High-density Development
Protecting our small, rural communities by prohibiting, unless unanimously approved by the local government, high-density development on lands designated as rural, conservation, or greenspace in a local comprehensive plan.
* Making the Farmers Feeding Florida Program Permanent
Making permanent the program that directs fresh, Florida agricultural products into food banks to provide additional healthy food options for those in need.
* Promoting More Agricultural Land to Grow Florida's Domestic Food Supply
Allowing the state to determine if there are lands purchased since 2024 that can be surplused and put back into agricultural production to protect our domestic food supply.
* Protecting Florida's Natural Resources
Prohibiting the application of biosolids other than Class AA, which have been treated for the highest level of pathogen removal.
* Ensuring Safety on Florida's Roads
Safeguarding Floridians from unqualified truck drivers who can't read or understand vital road and safety information by making it a crime to cheat, or help someone cheat, on the Commercial Driver License proficiency exam.
* Restoring Privacy with the No-Knock Homestead Act
Prohibiting door-to-door commercial solicitation at homes displaying "No Solicitation" signs and establishing criminal penalties for violators.
* Holding Bad Contractors Accountable
Protecting small businesses, ensuring fairness in state contracting, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars by creating a suspended vendor list and administrative penalties for contractors who fail to pay their subcontractors or suppliers.
* Supporting Florida's Veterinarians
Strengthening our state's agricultural workforce and food security by establishing a loan repayment program to reimburse up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and equine and who commit to working in Florida.
* Protecting First Responders and the Public from Dangerous Signal Jammers
Making it a crime in Florida to possess, sell, distribute, or use signal jamming devices, a technology often smuggled from foreign adversaries, that can block 911 calls, disrupt law enforcement communications, and endanger public safety.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2026-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Celebrates-Signing-of-Historic-2026-Florida-Farm-Bill
DEEP Selects Proposals to Help Lower Electric Bills Under Novel Efficiency RFP
HARTFORD, Connecticut, March 24 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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DEEP Selects Proposals to Help Lower Electric Bills Under Novel Efficiency RFP
Expanded Efficiency and Demand Response Offerings Will Provide Affordability and Reliability Benefits for Connecticut
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the provisional selection of proposals under the first round of its Expanded Efficiency and Affordability Request for Proposals (RFP), a competitive
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, March 24 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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DEEP Selects Proposals to Help Lower Electric Bills Under Novel Efficiency RFP
Expanded Efficiency and Demand Response Offerings Will Provide Affordability and Reliability Benefits for Connecticut
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the provisional selection of proposals under the first round of its Expanded Efficiency and Affordability Request for Proposals (RFP), a competitiveprocess launched following new legislative authority enacted in 2025. This authority enables DEEP to procure energy efficiency and active demand response measures on behalf of ratepayers, supplementing Connecticut's successful existing programs and delivering additional opportunities for customers to reduce their energy bills.
Through this RFP, DEEP sought innovative, cost-effective approaches that provide incremental energy savings, reduce peak electric demand, and offer new pathways for residential and commercial customers to access energy saving technologies. The selected proposals will build on the state's proven Conservation & Load Management (C&LM) programs--nationally recognized for delivering hundreds of dollars in annual bill savings to thousands of participating households and businesses--while providing new offerings and business models.
The selected offerings include:
* Residential Behavioral and Incentive Based Demand Response: For United Illuminating (UI) electric customers, new offerings will provide personalized insights and financial incentives encouraging households to shift usage away from the most expensive and grid strained hours. This may include information and rewards for running appliances such as clothes dryers or dishwashers later in the evening, helping reduce systemwide costs. Robust participation could result in up to $40/year in incentive payments for participating customers.
* No Upfront Cost Small Business Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Small commercial customers across both Eversource and UI territories will be offered high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, lighting upgrades, refrigeration improvements, and advanced controls. These upgrades will require no upfront cost, with participating businesses repaying measures over time supported by energy savings they generate. This performance contracting approach helps eliminate financial barriers facing small businesses which play a critical part of Connecticut's economy. The average small commercial participant could save approximately $18 per month on energy bills and may see demand cost reductions as well.
Once launched--expected in 2027--these offerings will leverage Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data available to UI customers, advanced control technologies, and standardized measurement and verification protocols to ensure that all energy and demand reductions are accurately quantified. Independent third-party evaluators will verify results, ensuring transparency and strong value for ratepayers.
These offerings will also reduce costs for all ratepayers, even for non-participants, by lowering distribution, transmission, and supply costs experienced across the grid. After costs, selected proposals are expected to reduce all ratepayer bills by $3.36 per year for the average residential customer. Ratepayers who choose to actively participate in the efficiency and demand response programs will receive even more savings.
The results of this initial procurement demonstrate the success of competitive procurements as an innovative way of investing in energy savings, a valuable but often overlooked resource for the electric system. The proposals selected demonstrate that energy efficiency and demand response can be competitively procured to reduce electricity use and lower peak demand, just like electricity supply. Later this year, DEEP expects to issue a second RFP with the aim of further expanding efficiency and demand response offerings to more homes and businesses, while growing the benefits for all ratepayers: reducing energy waste, lowering system costs, and helping avoid more expensive investments in new electric infrastructure. Over time, scaling this approach can deliver larger savings for participating customers while lowering costs for all ratepayers.
"Reducing energy waste is a smart way to lower energy costs for all Connecticut ratepayers," said Governor Ned Lamont. "These new offerings will allow participating customers to save money while also helping us avoid costly investments in new electric infrastructure. The new tools made possible through the 2025 legislation will help more households and small businesses access moneysaving efficiency improvements and support our ongoing efforts to build a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric grid."
"DEEP is pleased with the strong response to this RFP and excited to advance new approaches that leverage utility data, advanced controls, and performance-based models to help customers lower their bills," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "We expect these proposals to reduce summer electric demand by over 10MW, reduce electric use by 15,170 kWh over the life of the measures, and to provide meaningful affordability and reliability benefits to customers statewide."
Background on Connecticut's Efficiency Leadership
Since 1998, Connecticut's Conservation & Load Management (C&LM) programs have delivered billions in lifetime energy cost savings, avoided costly grid upgrades, and reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels. In 2025 alone, C&LM investments saved participating residents $36.5 million on their energy bills and are expected to generate $410.8 million in lifetime savings.
Next Steps
Eversource and United Illuminating will begin contract negotiations with selected proposers, and will bring proposed contracts to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for review and approval. Additional details will be released following completion of contract execution. DEEP also expects to release a second RFP later this year to solicit additional cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response resources.
More information on Connecticut's existing energy efficiency programs here: Home Page | EnergizeCT
For more information on the RFP, please visit the DEEP Energy Filing webpage here: Energy Filings (state.ct.us): CT General Statutes - Section 16a-3j - Expanded Energy Efficiency and Affordability Initiative.
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/deep-selects-proposals-to-help-lower-electric-bills-under-novel-efficiency-rfp
Colo. Division of Parks & Wildlife: Walleye Spawning Underway at Pueblo Reservoir
DENVER, Colorado, March 24 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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Walleye spawning underway at Pueblo Reservoir
Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatics biologists continue annual walleye spawning operations at Pueblo Reservoir, collecting eggs that help support walleye fisheries in reservoirs across Colorado. Efforts began March 16.
The spawning effort at Pueblo and Cherry Creek Reservoirs have been a cornerstone of the state's walleye program since 1986 and is part of a statewide effort to collect
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DENVER, Colorado, March 24 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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Walleye spawning underway at Pueblo Reservoir
Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatics biologists continue annual walleye spawning operations at Pueblo Reservoir, collecting eggs that help support walleye fisheries in reservoirs across Colorado. Efforts began March 16.
The spawning effort at Pueblo and Cherry Creek Reservoirs have been a cornerstone of the state's walleye program since 1986 and is part of a statewide effort to collectapproximately 127 million walleye eggs this year. Colorado partners with other states by supplying fertilized walleye eggs, while those states provide CPW with sauger milt to produce saugeye, a walleye-sauger hybrid.
Walleye are the second-most-popular sport fish in Colorado, behind trout, and interest in fishing has grown in recent years as more people discover the state's reservoirs and outdoor recreation opportunities. The spawning effort helps ensure those fisheries remain strong for longtime anglers and newcomers to the sport.
"This work is critical to maintaining strong walleye fisheries across Colorado," said Carrie Tucker, aquatic biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Pueblo. "Walleye are one of the most popular sport fish in the state, and the eggs collected during this effort help produce the fish anglers enjoy in reservoirs statewide. The fish can reproduce naturally in Pueblo Reservoir, but without spawning efforts like this, the population would be much lower than it is today."
Each morning during the spawning period, CPW crews launch from the North Marina boathouse at Pueblo Reservoir to retrieve 32 gill nets set throughout the reservoir in areas where walleye gather to spawn. Fish captured in the nets are carefully removed and transported back to the boathouse where biologists and volunteers sort the fish and prepare males and mature females for spawning.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the process, pulling nets, sorting fish, helping staff untangle, repair, and prepare the nets each day so they can be reset for the next round of fish collection. "Volunteers are phenomenal, and we truly couldn't do this project without their help."
During spawning, biologists gently collect eggs (roe) from female fish, milt from male fish, and combine them in a controlled fertilization process. The eggs and milt are stirred with goose feathers, a technique that allows them to be stirred gently without damage.
After fertilization, fertilized eggs are transported to the Pueblo Hatchery, where Colorado Parks and Wildlife hatchery technicians oversee incubation and care for the developing fish. Many of the newly hatched fish are stocked into Colorado waters as "fry" just days after hatching, while others are raised longer until they reach fingerling size before being released.
Several student groups visit the boat house and and tour the Pueblo Hatchery during spawning. These groups range from elementary classrooms to college students, including fisheries and biology students from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and CSU-Pueblo, giving students a hands-on look at aquatic science and wildlife management.
Later in the spring, CPW staff return to Pueblo Reservoir to stock young walleye produced through the spawning effort, completing a process that begins each March and helps sustain fisheries across Colorado's reservoirs.
MEDIA ADVISORY - News media are welcome to cover walleye spawning at Pueblo Reservoir on Wednesday, March 25, at 7 a.m. from the North Marina boathouse. Media will be able to observe/join boat launches to retrieve walleye gill nets, transport back to the boathouse, and manual spawning operations. The effort offers a behind-the-scenes look at fisheries science in action, including egg collection, fertilization, and preparation for hatchery incubation. Please RSVP the attending reporter's name and cell phone number to dean.miller@state.co.us no later than March 24 at 3 p.m. Media should plan for cold, wet conditions around boats, nets, and fish-handling areas, and are encouraged to wear waterproof boots, rain pants, or bib overalls. News media should consider protective equipment coverings or weather bags.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.
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Original text here: https://cpw.state.co.us/news/03232026/walleye-spawning-underway-pueblo-reservoir
Ala. Commerce Secretary: M&H Valve Advances Anniston Operations With $19 Million in Advanced Manufacturing Technology
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 24 -- Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair posted the following news:
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M&H Valve advances Anniston operations with $19 million in advanced manufacturing technology
M&H Valve is investing $7.6 million in automated production systems at its Anniston manufacturing facility, focusing on advanced technology designed to improve efficiency, precision and production flow.
The investment brings the company's total capital commitment to more than $19 million over the past year as the McWane Inc. division modernizes equipment and expands its capacity to produce critical
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 24 -- Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair posted the following news:
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M&H Valve advances Anniston operations with $19 million in advanced manufacturing technology
M&H Valve is investing $7.6 million in automated production systems at its Anniston manufacturing facility, focusing on advanced technology designed to improve efficiency, precision and production flow.
The investment brings the company's total capital commitment to more than $19 million over the past year as the McWane Inc. division modernizes equipment and expands its capacity to produce criticalwater infrastructure components.
The new automated system will streamline operations, enhance equipment reliability and replace legacy machinery that had been in service for more than 20 years and was no longer supported.
The modernization effort reflects the company's confidence in Alabama's manufacturing workforce and its ability to compete in increasingly technical production environments.
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair praised the investment as evidence of the state's growing advanced manufacturing sector. "M&H Valve's continued capital commitments in Anniston demonstrate what happens when you combine cutting-edge manufacturing technology with a skilled, dedicated workforce," McNair said. "These projects aren't just about new equipment--they're about positioning Alabama workers to lead in precision manufacturing and ensuring our state remains competitive in producing the infrastructure components that communities across America depend on."
The $19 million investment strategy includes a previously announced $6.9 million expansion project that added new CNC equipment, blast machinery and expanded production space. The company also invested $4.9 million in 2025 to replace foundry equipment with advanced core-making and material handling systems, improving production reliability and reducing downtime.
"We are proud to see continued investment from M&H Valve and its operations here in Anniston," said Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston. "This project demonstrates the strength of our workforce and the value of doing business in our community."
Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, emphasized the economic impact of the investments. "This level of investment reflects M&H Valve's assurance in its Anniston workforce and the community," Hopper said. "Their investments not only strengthen operational capabilities but also sustain high-quality jobs that offer long-term career opportunities for our workforce."
Construction and installation timelines for the various projects are currently underway, with completion scheduled through 2026. The improvements will position the facility to support growing market demand while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and operational performance.
M&H Valve remains a cornerstone of McWane Inc.'s national manufacturing network, producing fire hydrants and water system components while sustaining a workforce of more than 320 employees. The Anniston facility's combination of advanced automation and experienced local talent positions it to meet the infrastructure demands of communities nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/03/mh-valve-advances-anniston-operations-with-19-million/
Shapiro Administration Invests $6 Million Over Two Years to Provide Free Period Products for Pennsylvania Students, Proposes Another $3 Million in 2026-27 Budget
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on March 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $6 Million Over Two Years to Provide Free Period Products for Pennsylvania Students, Proposes Another $3 Million in 2026-27 Budget
One in four students struggles to afford period products, and 23% miss class because they don't have the hygiene products they need.
The initiative can help many of the more than 650,000 girls in Pennsylvania schools, keeping them in the classroom learning.
The Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget doubles
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on March 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $6 Million Over Two Years to Provide Free Period Products for Pennsylvania Students, Proposes Another $3 Million in 2026-27 Budget
One in four students struggles to afford period products, and 23% miss class because they don't have the hygiene products they need.
The initiative can help many of the more than 650,000 girls in Pennsylvania schools, keeping them in the classroom learning.
The Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget doublesdown on investment, allocating $3 million to provide free period products to students.
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Two years ago, the Shapiro Administration secured the first-ever investment in free period products for all Pennsylvania schools, and since then, has invested $6 million to help ensure that girls can focus on their schoolwork and remain in the classroom.
Today, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen visited Sterrett Classical Academy, in the Pittsburgh School District, to highlight how this historic investment is helping students across Pennsylvania.
"Free period products in schools help ensure that Pennsylvania's more than 650,000 girls have peace of mind -- so they can focus on their education," said Dr. Bogen. "This is just the latest example of how the Shapiro Administration is ensuring students are prepared to learn without distractions or struggle. We heard firsthand just how essential this initiative has become over the last two years, and I am proud that Governor Shapiro continues to support its mission."
Free period product funding is being distributed to more than 750 Pennsylvania school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools throughout the Commonwealth.
Studies show that one in four students nationally have struggled to afford period products, and a staggering 23% have missed class entirely because they didn't have the hygiene products they need. This funding enables schools to provide students with free access to period products, in line with the Shapiro Administration's efforts to improve health equity.
This initiative has become a vital source of funding for schools across the Commonwealth, taking one more burden off students so they can remain focused on learning.
"At our school, the Care Closet is about more than supplies. It is about dignity, access, and removing barriers so students can show up ready to learn," said Pittsburgh Sterrett Principal Dr. Michele Holly. "For some of our students, having reliable access to hygiene products, including period products, can make the difference between coming to school or staying home. This investment from the Commonwealth is incredibly meaningful because it helps us meet students' basic needs in a consistent and sustainable way. When students feel supported and cared for, they are more confident, more engaged, and better able to focus on their education. This support will go a long way in helping us ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed."
For one week each month, a quarter of Pennsylvania's students are on the sidelines due to limited access to basic health resources. When a student misses school, it isn't just one day. It's a ripple effect that impacts test scores, graduation rates, and eventually the future of our Commonwealth.
This $6 million investment is a down payment for the future of Pennsylvania.
"No one should ever be afraid to ask, or speak up, about having their period," said Sanaa Jackson, Sterrett Classical Academy student. "As a female student I have been nervous to talk about it. It is completely fine, it's okay to have different feelings, different emotions about it. Everyone should be comfortable in their own body."
All qualifying school entities receive funding proportional to the total number of students enrolled at a rate of $1.79 per student. Schools can opt out of receiving grant funding.
Schools should consider privacy, responsiveness, access, and education when developing and implementing strategies to make period products available to their students. Guidance and suggestions are available in the Menstrual Equity for Pennsylvania Students - Guidance for School Entities.
Watch Governor Shapiro's full budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate and see the Governor's full remarks as prepared for delivery here.
Read an overview of Governor Shapiro's 2026-2027 budget proposal (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-2026-27-budget-proposal-to-keep-doing-what-s-working) or explore the full Budget in Brief here (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/budget/documents/publications-and-reports/commonwealthbudget/2026-27-budget-documents/2026-27%20budget%20in%20brief.final.web.v.2.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/newsroom/shapiro-administration-gives--6-million-to-provide-period-produc
N.M. Environment Dept.: State Approves Labeling of PFAS in Consumer Products
SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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New Mexico approves labeling of PFAS in consumer products
State among first to implement universal labeling requirements
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New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board today approved landmark rules requiring manufacturers to label consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS -- the 'forever chemicals' often linked to serious health conditions including certain types of cancer -- giving shoppers the ability to identify products made with PFAS.
In addition,
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on March 23, 2026:
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New Mexico approves labeling of PFAS in consumer products
State among first to implement universal labeling requirements
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New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board today approved landmark rules requiring manufacturers to label consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS -- the 'forever chemicals' often linked to serious health conditions including certain types of cancer -- giving shoppers the ability to identify products made with PFAS.
In addition,the rules implement state law which phases out and prohibits the sale of certain products containing PFAS.
"Today marks a monumental day for New Mexico, putting our state at the forefront of tackling the public health and environmental effects of PFAS," said Environment Secretary James Kenney. "Labeling consumer products containing PFAS is about honesty - a concept now required by regulation. Manufacturers of PFAS-containing consumer products must inform potential customers as to which cookware, children's toys, cosmetics and toiletries and other products we purchase daily contain these chemicals. The rules place families on equal footing with the manufacturers."
The labeling requirement strengthens the state's PFAS Protection Act, which Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed in 2025. Under the new rules, manufacturers must display a universal symbol on any product containing intentionally added PFAS.
The new requirements apply to manufacturers only and place no obligation on retailers or consumers.
In addition to establishing labeling requirements on consumer products, the Board also adopted the Department's reporting requirements for phasing out the sale of certain consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS.
Beginning in 2027, state law prohibits the sale of certain products with intentionally added PFAS in items like cookware, food packaging and toys. Cosmetics, furniture and carpets will follow in 2028. By 2032, all non-exempt products with intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited from sale in New Mexico.
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NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any of NMED's non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kate Cardenas, Non-Discrimination Coordinator | NMED |1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050 | P.O. Box 5469 | Santa Fe, NM 87502 or (505) 827-2855 or nd.coordinator@env.nm.gov. If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator.
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Original text here: https://www.env.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-23-COMMS-New-Mexico-approves-labeling-of-PFAS-in-consumer-products-Final.pdf
N.M. Economic Development Dept.: State Invests $13.5M in Trails, Programs, Recreation Economy
SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State invests $13.5M in trails, programs, recreation economy
New Mexico will invest $13.5 million in trails, watersheds and outdoor access as part of the FY 27 state budget signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, boosting the state's $3.6 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department (EDD) will receive $3.5 million toward its Outdoor Equity Fund, the nation's first-of-its-kind grant program dedicated to connecting
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State invests $13.5M in trails, programs, recreation economy
New Mexico will invest $13.5 million in trails, watersheds and outdoor access as part of the FY 27 state budget signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, boosting the state's $3.6 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department (EDD) will receive $3.5 million toward its Outdoor Equity Fund, the nation's first-of-its-kind grant program dedicated to connectingunderserved youth with outdoor experiences. The division also received $10 million for its Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant to fund community-led trail development and improvements, forest and watershed restoration, and infrastructure projects that expand recreational access and strengthen local economies.
"The outdoor recreation industry enhances the quality of life as well as the economies of communities throughout New Mexico," said New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black. "This funding fuels economic growth, creates jobs and career pathways, bringing new opportunities for everyone, especially our youth."
"We deeply appreciate the governor and legislators for continuing to prioritize equitable access to New Mexico's outdoors," said Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo. "This investment helps ensure that communities across the state -- especially rural and Tribal communities -- can access the economic, health and quality-of-life benefits that outdoor recreation provides."
Established by the legislature in 2019, the Outdoor Recreation Division has invested $8.7 million to connect more than 106,000 youth to the outdoors through the Outdoor Equity Fund and $33.9 million in outdoor infrastructure projects through the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program, supporting an estimated 2,367 jobs.
For more information about Outdoor Recreation Division programs and grant opportunities, visit www.NMOutside.com.
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Original text here: https://edd.newmexico.gov/pr/state-invests-13-5m-in-trails-programs-recreation-economy/
