SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says she is working on a bill with state lawmakers to allow higher royalty rates for oil and natural gas production on state trust land. Garcia Richards said Tuesday that she wants New Mexico to raise its royalty cap to 25 percent on future leases to match Texas. …

State Land Commissioner Dunn says no to offer from US border agency By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s top land boss has rejected a proposal from the federal government to settle a dispute over land along the U.S.-Mexico border as work continues to bolster security throughout the region to stem illegal immigration and drug trafficking. …

No illegal dumping needed with centers While the New Mexico State Land Commissioner takes steps to clean caliche pits on State Trust Lands in Lea County, Lorenzo Velasquez, the county’s director of Environmental Services, reminds residents there’s no reason for illegal dumping. His department manages both of the county’s facilities — the Lea County Landfill east of Eunice and the …

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democrat Ray Powell is ending his bid for New Mexico land commissioner after finding out he has a rare auto-immune condition that affects the communication between nerves and muscles. Powell made the announcement Wednesday on social media, saying there’s a good probability he can live an active life with treatment but that if he were elected, …