Legislature meets to consider energy relief, state treasurer

Legislators convened a special session shortly after noon today at the State Capitol in Santa Fe to take up several measures aimed at helping New Mexico residents get some relief with high gasoline prices and higher-than-normal home heating costs this winter.
They also are expected to consider impeaching indicted state Treasurer Robert Vigil who has refused to step down despite demands by officials of both parties that he do so.

For a look at Gov. Bill Richardson's proclamation opening the special session, click here (PDF download).

7:15am -- Special Session Today: Energy Relief, Fate of Treasurer On TapNew Mexico's 112 state legislators are scheduled to convene at noon today to consider giving residents some relief from high gasoline and home-heating prices. They are also expected to deal with the possibility of impeaching state Treasurer Robert Vigil, who is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged kickback scheme.
Vigil has pleaded not guilty and has refused to resign his post despite demands for his resignation from elected officials.
The governor called for the special session last month as fears of high energy prices mounted in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. But the Vigil scandal is threatening to overshadow earlier energy fears in the session, which could last by law up to 30 days.
Meanwhile, on the eve of the session, the governor made a gesture toward energy conservation by pledging to trade in his gas-guzzling Lincoln Navigator for a Ford Escape Hybrid. (See story elsewhere on this page.)
According to Ford, the Espcape Hybrid four-wheel-drive model gets 33 miles per gallon in the city, 29 mpg on the highway. The question is, though, can it do 110 mph?

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