Caller threatens state regulator of PNM coal plant plan

Jun 19 - McClatchy-Tribune Content Agency, LLC - Margaret Wright The Santa Fe New Mexican

 

Phone threats made to a member of the state Public Regulation Commission in recent days have led to an investigation and a heightened police presence.

Vincent Martinez, the commission's chief of staff, said four state police officers attended a hearing this week on Public Service Company of New Mexico's request for more time to complete coal supply and ownership agreements for the San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. The hearing was delayed because Commissioners Valerie Espinoza, D-Santa Fe, and Sandy Jones, D-Williamsburg, were absent.

The utility company's extension request is one component of PNM's controversial plan to retire part of the coal-fired San Juan plant and replace the power with other sources, including nuclear, wind and solar.

Martinez said one commissioner received two threatening phone calls about a week apart. He would not say which commissioner was targeted.

"One was a voice mail message that used an obscenity," Martinez said. The second time, the commissioner's assistant answered and "the caller used an obscenity and threatened them to approve PNM's plan, or they would shoot them."

Martinez said state officials are trying to trace the calls.

Commission Chairwoman Karen Montoya, D-Albuquerque, said the threats were not made against her, but she was upset that a colleague was targeted.

"We're talking about people's lives here," Montoya said. "This won't be tolerated."

She said the commissioners haven't had a threat like this one since she took office in 2013.

The commission will maintain a police presence at meetings regarding the San Juan Generating Station, she said.

Contact Margaret Wright at 986-3011 or mwright@sfnewmexican.com.

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