Featured Stories
Wis. Natural Resources Dept.: EPA Approves Total Maximum Daily Load Study To Improve Water Quality For Lake Pepin, Tributaries
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 14 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Total Maximum Daily Load Study To Improve Water Quality For Lake Pepin, Tributaries
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that on July 21, 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) approved the Lake Pepin TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Phosphorus study.
The DNR, together with many partners throughout the basin, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), continues working to improve the water
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MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 14 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Total Maximum Daily Load Study To Improve Water Quality For Lake Pepin, Tributaries
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that on July 21, 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) approved the Lake Pepin TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Loads for Total Phosphorus study.
The DNR, together with many partners throughout the basin, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), continues working to improve the waterquality of Lake Pepin and its tributaries.
Lake Pepin, bordered by Minnesota to the west and Wisconsin on the east, is located just south of where the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers join the Mississippi River. Lake Pepin and two small streams that drain directly to it, Lost and Bogus creeks, are listed on Wisconsin's 303(d) list as impaired due to excessive phosphorus.
Impaired waters in Wisconsin are largely addressed through an analysis known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL evaluates the amount of pollutant a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. This TMDL study is designed to complement the MPCA's TMDL, approved by the U.S. EPA in May 2021, by addressing Wisconsin's portion of the Lake Pepin drainage basin.
The multi-year TMDL study received federal funding and U.S. EPA contractor support. Tetra Tech, a U.S. EPA-funded contractor, conducted a detailed watershed survey of agricultural cropping, tillage and management practices and translated allowable phosphorus loads for agricultural sources into a format consistent with commonly used implementation models, such as Wisconsin's nutrient management software, SnapPlus. The DNR also worked with County Land and Water departments to evaluate implementation mechanisms and dovetail this information with ongoing conservation efforts.
"I am grateful for the U.S. EPA's assistance on this project," said Adrian Stocks, Director of the DNR's Water Quality Bureau. "The DNR's efforts were able to build on the great work already conducted by MPCA. Analysis shows that with management measures and strategic deployment of resources, water quality standards can be attained and protected, further supporting and enhancing the abundant recreational activities of the region as well as maintaining agricultural production."
The DNR will continue to work with partners throughout the Lake Pepin basin to reduce pollution while also providing agricultural producers and wastewater dischargers with the support they need to implement management measures.
Copies of the TMDL study and supporting information can be found on the DNR website (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/TMDLs).
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Original text here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/129196
N.Y. PSC Initiates Proceeding to Implement Statewide Grid Flexibility Platform
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 14 -- The New York State Department of Public Service issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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PSC Initiates Proceeding to Implement Statewide Grid Flexibility Platform
New Smart Thermostat Customers Will Receive $25 Monthly Bill Credit for First Year of Participation
Platform Will Enable Centralized Enrollment for Eligible Residential Devices
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The Public Service Commission (Commission) today initiated a proceeding to implement the Excelsior Power Program, initially proposed by Governor Hochul as part of her 2026 State of the State. The Excelsior Power
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 14 -- The New York State Department of Public Service issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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PSC Initiates Proceeding to Implement Statewide Grid Flexibility Platform
New Smart Thermostat Customers Will Receive $25 Monthly Bill Credit for First Year of Participation
Platform Will Enable Centralized Enrollment for Eligible Residential Devices
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The Public Service Commission (Commission) today initiated a proceeding to implement the Excelsior Power Program, initially proposed by Governor Hochul as part of her 2026 State of the State. The Excelsior PowerProgram will develop a centralized statewide platform for enrolling all applicable devices within residential electric and gas Direct Load Control (DLC) programs, including both summer and winter load relief programs
As energy demand continues to grow, additional grid flexibility will support reliability by ensuring customer needs are met utilizing existing infrastructure to the greatest extent possible while also reducing consumers' energy bills, and may offset the need to build new generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to serve peak demand.
Public Service Commission Chair and CEO Rory Christian said, "Maximizing grid flexibility to scale is a powerful tool to mitigate both reliability and affordability challenges in the short and long term by capturing the potential of resources already installed. This initiative represents great strides toward making it easier for customers to be paid for providing benefits to the system at critical times."
The Excelsior Power Program will consolidate the function of the existing DLC programs to reduce peak energy demand through the remote operation of residential smart thermostats and residential energy storage units, both of which are enrolled on a voluntary, opt-in basis. Currently, each of the DLC programs are implemented individually for each utility and commodity, and a singular platform is expected to provide an enhanced customer experience by streamlining enrollment, program cost savings through collective procurement for platform services, and expand the ability to scale the programs.
The Commission will follow the Governor's recommendation to initially set the enhanced incentive at the $25 per month level and to limit eligibility for this enhanced incentive to new participating smart thermostat customers only. Customers already participating in the utility smart thermostat, or Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT), programs prior to passage of the 2026-2027 State Budget will be ineligible for the enhanced incentive level. The 2026 - 2027 State Budget includes $33 million for the Excelsior Power Program.
Customers will be allowed to override utility control of the smart thermostat during demand response events, will not be penalized for overriding such control except for discounting or derating a customer's bill credits, and may de-enroll from the program without penalty except that potential future bill credits which have not already been earned shall cease.
Operation of the residential energy storage Bring Your Own Battery (BYOB) program will also be transitioned to be administered under the Excelsior Power Program. Customers participating in the Excelsior Power Program using a residential energy storage device will be able to earn incentives related to use of that device which are separate from, and in addition to, the incentives available for smart thermostat participants.
The major gas and electric utilities are directed to jointly develop and file the first phase of a proposed Implementation Plan for the Excelsior Power Program within 30 days of the issuance of the Order, and file the second phase within 120 days. Comments from interested stakeholders on the Order and any comments on the level of harmonization of the underlying DLC programs to be operated on the Excelsior Power Platform are requested within 120 days for Commission consideration.
The Commission also directs the utilities to collaborate with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and its present system operator, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated - Long Island (PSEG-LI) in developing the proposed Implementation Plan. The 2026-27 Enacted Budget established that LIPA should be included as part of the utilities' proposal to the maximum extent feasible, to ensure a truly statewide platform.
Documents regarding this proceeding may be obtained by going to the Search section of the Commission's website at www.dps.ny.gov, under 'Commission Files', and entering Case Number 26-M-0525 in the input box labeled "Search by Case Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release. For more information, you may also visit your service provider's website.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/psc-initiates-proceeding-implement-statewide-grid-flexibility-platform
Md. Agriculture Dept.: State's Best Third Annual Farmers Choice Award Honors Sagamore Spirit
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Aug. 14 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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Maryland's Best Third Annual Farmers Choice Award Honors Sagamore Spirit
Maryland's Best--the Maryland Department of Agriculture's marketing program--and the Maryland Grain Producers Association is proud to announce that Sagamore Spirit has been selected as the 2026 Farmer's Choice Award winner.
This competition features only those whiskeys made with at least 50% Maryland grain or corn. Now in its third year, it was designed to encourage distilleries to use locally-grown grain, bringing
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Aug. 14 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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Maryland's Best Third Annual Farmers Choice Award Honors Sagamore Spirit
Maryland's Best--the Maryland Department of Agriculture's marketing program--and the Maryland Grain Producers Association is proud to announce that Sagamore Spirit has been selected as the 2026 Farmer's Choice Award winner.
This competition features only those whiskeys made with at least 50% Maryland grain or corn. Now in its third year, it was designed to encourage distilleries to use locally-grown grain, bringingrecognition to both industries. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize from the Maryland Grain Producers Association, a plaque from Maryland's Best and the ability to use the Farmer's Choice logo on their products.
"We are proud to have a history of making amazing rye whiskeys in Maryland," said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "It is fitting that the winning bottle this year featured 100% rye ingredients grown in Maryland. I encourage you to seek out rye whiskeys across the state and taste the greatness for yourself!"
The winning bottle was Sagamore Pot Still Series: Rye Malt Whiskey and featured 34% rye and 66% malted rye, and was aged for seven years in white oak char barrels. The rye was grown by Hickory Hollow Farm, of Carroll County, and malted by Bear Branch Malt, also of Carroll County. While the current edition is sold out, Sagamore plans to continue to release special releases that are 100% Maryland made.
"We're fortunate to live and work in a place that offers every resource needed to craft world-class whiskey. This Rye Malt Whiskey showcases Maryland grain, oak and ingenuity. While this is the first fully aged whiskey we've released featuring 100% local ingredients, we look forward to releasing many more," said Max Hames, head distiller at Sagamore Spirit.
Though the competition was fierce, there could only be one winner in the end. In addition to Sagamore Spirits, bottles were also submitted from McClintock Distilling, Meinelschmidt Distillery, Pathfinder Farm Distillery, Song Dog Farm Distillery, Tenth Ward Distilling and Tobacco Barn Distillery.
The judges for this year's competition included Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor, Chichi Nyagah-Nash, Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, grain farmer Jason Scott and Golden West Beverage Director Dee Acosta.
To involve even more farmers and industry agriculture leaders in the fun, a second competition is held at the annual Maryland Commodity Classic hosted by the Maryland Grain Producers Association. This cocktail competition is open to any spirit that has 50% or more local grain or corn as their base and attendees vote for their favorite. This year's competition featured five cocktails with a first, second and third place winner:
* Pathfinder Farm Distillery's Blackberry Bourbon Bramble (First Place, $500 prize)
* Ego Vodka's Expection (Second Place, $300 prize)
* Tenth Ward Distilling's Diamondback Sazerac (Third Place, $150 prize)
* Tobacco Barn Distillery's Whiskey Lemonade
* Meinelschmidt Distillery's Bourbon Cherry Lemonade
"The Maryland Grain Producers Association is proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and local distilleries to celebrate the Maryland's Best Whiskey and Cocktail competitions. Both events showcase the many ways that Maryland grown grain is transformed into high-quality products, creating new markets for farmers and local businesses," said Jennifer Gannon, programs and public relations director with Maryland Grain Producers.
To find all the products used in these cocktails, please visit Marylandsbest.net. To learn more about the Maryland Grain Producers Association, click here to visit their website. To inquire about participating in future competitions, please contact Maryland's Best Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2026/08/13/marylands-best-third-annual-farmers-choice-award-honors-sagamore-spirit/
Hawaii Gov. Green Signs Emergency Proclamation Ahead of Tropical Storm Lala
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 14 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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Gov. Green Signs Emergency Proclamation Ahead of Tropical Storm Lala
Governor Josh Green today signed an emergency proclamation declaring a state of emergency for Hawai'i ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, which is currently forecast to approach the islands at near-hurricane strength this weekend.
The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund, authorizes the activation of the Hawaii National Guard if needed -- and directs state agencies to provide personnel, facilities and other
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 14 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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Gov. Green Signs Emergency Proclamation Ahead of Tropical Storm Lala
Governor Josh Green today signed an emergency proclamation declaring a state of emergency for Hawai'i ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, which is currently forecast to approach the islands at near-hurricane strength this weekend.
The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund, authorizes the activation of the Hawaii National Guard if needed -- and directs state agencies to provide personnel, facilities and otherresources for emergency response efforts. It also enables expedited action to clear debris, secure critical infrastructure and prepare for, respond to and recover from potential storm impacts.
"Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaii Island -- and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed," said Governor Green. "Our state and county emergency teams are coordinating closely with federal partners. I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another."
As of Thursday morning, Lala was approximately 700 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west. The storm is forecast to strengthen and could approach hurricane strength as it nears Hawaii Island early Saturday. A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for Hawaii Island and surrounding waters. Heavy rain, strong winds, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state this weekend and could begin affecting portions of the state as early as Friday and continue through Sunday.
Widespread rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches are forecast, with higher amounts possible. The greatest risk of heavy rain and flooding is currently expected on Hawaii Island and Maui.
The storm's track, intensity and potential impacts remain subject to change. Residents and visitors should prepare now, avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions and never drive or walk through floodwaters.
For more information on how to prepare, visit ready.hawaii.gov.
A copy of the executed emergency proclamation can be found here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hawaii.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f108b4805576bd697bf4dca5a&id=79c2393a4c&e=a99ac9e1fd__;!!LIYSdFfckKA!yRGOSTKEbdEBLlY5qWA0MK9CTJJYtWZNO1vnQoOLbGROIce0xmIVEZSYyu0WQbktqLCoQrW8RHXzWayOf4i_wC04vwd-$).
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Original text here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-signs-emergency-proclamation-ahead-of-tropical-storm-lala/
Colo. Public Health & Environment Dept.: Garfield County Finance Administrator Lancaster Honored as State's 2026 National Immunization Champion
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 14 -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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Garfield County finance administrator Kathy Lancaster honored as Colorado's 2026 National Immunization Champion
The Immunization Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced Kathy Lancaster, a finance administrator for Garfield County, as Colorado's recipient of the 2026 National Immunization Champion Award. The award, presented by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
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DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 14 -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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Garfield County finance administrator Kathy Lancaster honored as Colorado's 2026 National Immunization Champion
The Immunization Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced Kathy Lancaster, a finance administrator for Garfield County, as Colorado's recipient of the 2026 National Immunization Champion Award. The award, presented by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to advance immunization in their communities.
Lancaster's commitment to promoting vaccinations in Garfield County is evident in her extraordinary 45 year tenure as a public servant. While her official role focuses on budgets and spreadsheets, her true influence lies in the heart she brings to public health. Lancaster serves as a vital bridge between the clinic and the community, consistently volunteering at off site vaccine clinics. By setting up vaccination stations, guiding families, and supporting staff, she helps create welcoming experiences that expand the clinic's reach into neighborhoods that might otherwise face barriers to care.
Lancaster's dedication goes far beyond her job description, particularly in her advocacy for the most vulnerable. She takes the initiative to make calls, coordinate schedules, and recruit nurses for home-based vaccinations. This vital effort sustains protection for homebound older adults and disabled residents who might otherwise simply go without vaccines. Inside the clinic, Lancaster's humanity shines during pediatric appointments. When children struggle with fear during vaccinations, she steps in with a calm presence -- holding a hand or offering a reassuring voice -- helping families feel supported and ensuring the process goes smoothly.
Her passionate advocacy for public health is rooted in deeply personal experiences. As a cancer survivor, Lancaster understands firsthand the critical value of prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care. Her dedication is further fueled by her lifelong connection to the Garfield County community and her volunteer work at her church, where organizing senior dinners and outreach has given her a close view of the needs of older adults. These lived experiences drive her unwavering belief that protecting health can change the course of a life, making her a trusted leader who encourages friends, coworkers, and neighbors alike to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
"Kathy's unwavering commitment to increasing vaccine access and offering a compassionate presence in her community is truly inspiring," said Heather Roth, Immunization Branch Chief at CDPHE. "Her tireless work, from organizing home-visit vaccinations to comforting nervous children in the clinic, has made a significant impact on public health in Colorado. She is such a deserving recipient of this award."
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Original text here: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/garfield-county-finance-administrator-kathy-lancaster-honored-as-colorados-2026
ACC Approves Measure to Ensure Electric Cooperative Customers Don't Pay for Large-Load Growth
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 14 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Approves Measure to Ensure Electric Cooperative Customers Don't Pay for Large-Load Growth
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously during the August 12, 2026 Open Meeting to approve a joint application by several electric cooperatives that creates a streamlined process to protect its existing ratepayers from the costs of new transmission and infrastructure demands brought on by new large-load customers. Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (AEPCO), Duncan Valley Electric
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 14 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Approves Measure to Ensure Electric Cooperative Customers Don't Pay for Large-Load Growth
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted unanimously during the August 12, 2026 Open Meeting to approve a joint application by several electric cooperatives that creates a streamlined process to protect its existing ratepayers from the costs of new transmission and infrastructure demands brought on by new large-load customers. Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (AEPCO), Duncan Valley ElectricCooperative, Inc., Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc, Mohave Electric Cooperative, Inc., Graham County Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc. (collectively, the "Distribution Cooperatives") collaborated on the application, which would request ACC approval for electric service agreements between large-load customers, such as data centers, and the cooperatives. This procedure supports the Commission's "Growth Pays for Growth" approach when it comes to the addition of new large-load customers.
"This new large load process gives Arizona cooperative utilities, a clear standardized framework for bringing data centers and large load users online while protecting existing ratepayers from bearing the costs," said Chairman Nick Myers. "Large load customers are becoming increasingly interested in rural areas of Arizona. This new process allows rural Arizona to capture the economic growth responsibly without being subsidized by other customers of the utilities."
"I applaud our electric retail cooperatives for addressing the challenge of large load customers interested in rural Arizona," said Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. "As we know, every cooperative is structured a little differently and represent diverse communities across the state. It's important that the process for onboarding large loads reflects this difference. I was proud to support their effort to streamline their processes and to protect their members and ratepayers."
The Commission commended the Distribution Cooperatives for being proactive in helping to protect the affordability and reliability of service for their existing members. The Distribution Cooperatives say they are in talks with several prospective large-load businesses looking to build new facilities in their service territories, which would create the necessity for new electric service agreements between AEPCO (the wholesale electricity provider), the Distribution Cooperatives (the electric retail company) and the large load customer (the retail customer).
The proposed process for establishing prospective large-load service agreements would adhere to a common set of guidelines, a checklist of application requirements that the Commission would ultimately approve, deny or amend. The Commission's Utilities Division Staff's review of the application will include at a minimum three criteria: whether the agreement is in the public interest, whether the rates charged are reasonable, and whether the agreement ensures that no other customer class of AEPCO or the Distribution Cooperatives subsidizes the customer's commercial activities.
"As we confirmed in our meeting, large load customers will be required continue to cover all costs associated with commercial services under this framework, including new infrastructure and transmission construction," said Commissioner Kevin Thompson. "This further protects ratepayers from potentially subsidizing costs attributed to serving "cost causers" such as manufacturing facilities and data centers."
All documents related to this application can be found in the ACC's eDocket https://edocket.azcc.gov/ under Docket No. E-01773A-26-0123.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2026/08/13/acc-approves-measure-to-ensure-electric-cooperative-customers-don-t-pay-for-large-load-growth
'People Profile': Featuring Amanda Trujillo, Budget Director for the Administrative Services Division With the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following Q&A involving Amanda Trujillo, administrative services division budget director:
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'People Profile': Featuring Amanda Trujillo, budget director for the Administrative Services Division with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
DPS: Tell me about your job at the Department of Public Safety and what makes you passionate about what you do.
Amanda: I serve as the budget director for the Department of Public Safety. My primary responsibility is ensuring that our divisions and programs have
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following Q&A involving Amanda Trujillo, administrative services division budget director:
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'People Profile': Featuring Amanda Trujillo, budget director for the Administrative Services Division with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
DPS: Tell me about your job at the Department of Public Safety and what makes you passionate about what you do.
Amanda: I serve as the budget director for the Department of Public Safety. My primary responsibility is ensuring that our divisions and programs havethe resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently in support of public safety across New Mexico.
What I enjoy most about my role is helping turn ideas and operational needs into reality by finding solutions and ensuring funding is available to support our mission - such as the budget request process for forensic laboratory employee salary increases. Providing leadership and decision-makers with the information needed during budget hearings and the legislative session helped secure additional funding, which has assisted with employee retention and maintaining critical forensic services. Knowing that my work helps support programs that directly impact public safety is what keeps me motivated.
DPS: What drew you to this role and how did you get started?
Amanda: After spending eight years in the Budget Bureau, I felt I was already performing many of the responsibilities associated with the role. When the opportunity became available, I saw it as a chance to officially step into a leadership position and continue supporting the Department's mission.
One challenge throughout my career has been learning through experience. I have often found myself in situations where I was expected to lead before receiving formal training. While challenging at times, those experiences taught me to adapt, solve problems, and continuously learn. Today, I am focused on being an effective leader and creating a strong foundation for those who may follow in my footsteps.
DPS: How do you achieve balance between work and your personal life?
Amanda: Maintaining balance can be challenging, especially in a role that requires planning for both expected and unexpected needs. While I take my responsibilities seriously, my family always comes first. I am fortunate to have a supportive family that understands the importance of my work and encourages me to maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. My family's support comes through the little things that make a big difference. My husband is always willing to help around the house, whether it's starting dinner, doing dishes, or helping manage day-to-day responsibilities. That support allows me to focus on my work while still maintaining balance at home.
Family is my priority because I never want to miss life's important moments. I recently watched my oldest son graduate from high school, and it was a reminder of how quickly time passes. Experiences like that reinforce the importance of being present and making time for the people who matter most.
DPS: What's something people often misunderstand about your job?
Amanda: Sometimes people view budget decisions as simply saying "yes" or "no." In reality, our role is to ensure resources are managed responsibly while balancing current needs with future priorities. Our goal is always to find solutions that support the agency's mission while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Finding solutions means looking beyond a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Budget decisions require consideration of many factors, including ongoing projects, staffing levels, vacancies, available funding, and future priorities. It is also important to understand that solutions are not made for just one bureau or division, they often impact multiple bureaus, programs, and levels of management across the department.
My approach is always to focus on realistic, department-wide solutions that support operational needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. It's about balancing immediate priorities with long-term sustainability and ensuring resources are used effectively across the entire agency.
DPS: What makes the New Mexico Department of Public Safety a unique place to work?
Amanda: DPS feels like a family because there is a genuine willingness among employees to support one another and work together toward a common goal. Regardless of division or position, people understand that everyone's work contributes to public safety.
The culture is built on teamwork, professionalism, and a shared commitment to serving New Mexico. Employees take pride in the mission, and there is a strong sense of purpose knowing that our efforts help support both the communities we serve and the personnel who protect them.
DPS: Who or what inspires you in your career today?
Amanda: What inspires me most is seeing my team grow professionally and gain confidence in their abilities. One of the most rewarding experiences as a leader is watching team members take the lead in budget meetings, confidently answer questions, and present information to management.
Seeing that growth tells me they understand their roles, trust their knowledge, and are prepared to succeed. I want every member of my team to feel confident pursuing advancement opportunities and know they have the skills necessary to take on new challenges. Their success is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
DPS: Outside of work, what hobbies or interests help you recharge?
Amanda: I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's gardening, camping, or attending sporting events and activities with my family. These experiences help me recharge and maintain balance outside of work. Spending time outdoors helps me reconnect with what matters most, my family. I enjoy watching my children experience and appreciate the outdoors, especially since both of my boys enjoy fishing.
My husband and I also enjoy taking on projects around our home and yard. This year, we planted cherry and apple trees, and it's rewarding to see the progress we've made since purchasing our home. Outside of that, we enjoy attending NFL games, concerts, and camping. We don't have a favorite camping destination because we enjoy exploring different places, whether that's taking our UTV into the mountains or spending time on the lake with our boat.
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Original text here: https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2026/08/13/14479/
