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Carlsbad council urges NMED to reconsider proposed WIPP permit change, passes resolution
Summary
The Carlsbad City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging New Mexico Environment Department officials to reconsider a proposed 2026 permit modification for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, saying the change could delay cleanup work, threaten jobs and is being used as a bargaining chip; the council called for open discussions with DOE and Los Alamos stakeholders.
The Carlsbad City Council on Monday adopted a resolution urging the New Mexico Environment Department to reconsider a proposed 2026 permit modification for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), saying the change could slow cleanup of national defense sites and risk local jobs.
The resolution, read into the record by Miss Austin, states that "the City of Carlsbad, New Mexico proudly supports the mission success and safety of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant" and calls on NMED to explore alternative approaches and to collaborate with the Department of Energy, Los Alamos County and the City of Carlsbad.
Council discussion highlighted local economic and safety concerns. The chair said, "It feels like this permit modification is, at least in my opinion, using WIP as a bargaining chip," and warned the change could cut production and reduce shifts at the facility. Another council member noted that slowing waste shipments could require additional safety precautions and extra bolting that would raise costs and extend schedules.
Kristine Gamboa, executive director of the Carlsbad Department of Development, told the council the proposal’s uncertainty "is a huge impact to the hiring, the expansion decisions, housing investment, and overall long term business confidence in our area" and urged residents to submit public comments; she noted the Environment Department comment deadline is June 8.
The council’s resolution urges NMED to reconsider the 2026 modification, to prioritize safe characterization and shipment of material from Los Alamos, and to hold open discussions under the existing 2024 permit. The motion to adopt the resolution passed on a roll-call vote with the members present voting in favor.
