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Exxon is shelling out $60B to double its Permian production. Why there?

Oct 12, 2023
The Permian Basin, which runs through West Texas and New Mexico, produces more oil than most countries.
If the Permian Basin were its own country, it would be among the top five oil producers in the world, said Karr Ingham with the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. Above, an oil pumpjack in Odessa, Texas.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Please explain: Why is New Mexico a hotbed for scuba diving?

Aug 11, 2023
There are three scuba diving schools in a small area of Albuquerque — 12 hours away from the ocean.
A group of Scuba Co. student divers at the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Courtesy Loring Schaible

Holiday traditions keep New Mexico tamale makers busy

Dec 23, 2022
In this region, it wouldn’t be the holidays without tamales. But vendors and restaurants are facing higher costs for ingredients and staff.
Because costs are up for holiday treats like tamales, many businesses pass those costs on to customers.
Claudio Cruz/AFP via Getty Images

When prescribed burns spiral into devastating wildfires, who pays the price?

Oct 21, 2022
A prescribed burn that went awry in New Mexico has some questioning the value of the practice, but scientists say we need prescribed burns more than ever because of climate change.
A scorched structure and vehicle stand on a property mostly destroyed by the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire on June 2 near Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Wildfires in April signal growing costs of climate change

Apr 26, 2022
What to do when fuel for fires seems infinite, but resources to fight fires is decidedly finite?
As the risk for wildfires rises, small cities struggle to find the resources to combat them.

Climate change and a labor shortage threaten New Mexico’s signature chile crop

Oct 25, 2021
Growing chiles, a way of life in southern New Mexico, is under pressure.
Jamie Viramontes' farm has cut chile production in favor of less labor-intensive crops. “The hardest part is that it is a tradition and it's a heritage, and this is a unique crop that we’re able to grow in New Mexico,” Viramontes said.
Savannah Maher

Demand for New Mexico green chiles leaves farmers scrambling to increase supplies

Jan 15, 2018
Demand for green New Mexican chiles is growing but farmers say labor shortages are keeping them from expanding their acreage.
Red, green, or Christmas? New Mexico is known for it's chili peppers, but state farmers say labor shortages are keeping them from expanding their acreage to meet growing demand.
Carrie Jung/ for Marketplace

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Riding the oil price roller coaster in New Mexico

May 11, 2015
Businesses in Southeast New Mexico feel the impact of oil prices.

Forget the elevator. Try pitching on a ski lift

Apr 6, 2015
A New Mexico business group came up with a new twist on the investment pitch.

Space tourism: Still for the future, New Mexico learns

Jun 27, 2014
Virgin Galactic hopes to bring space and terrestrial tourists to New Mexico.