Common Ground Community Trust

The Story of Common Ground Rising: Over 30 Years of Advocacy and Action

For over three decades, Common Ground Rising has been a powerful advocate for protecting water, air, and land while amplifying the voices of frontline communities. Led by its dedicated director, Elaine Cimino, the organization’s journey began with efforts to stop the Santa Fe Wastewater Plant from dumping into the river, a vital step in safeguarding the health of communities reliant on the basin’s water. This victory laid the foundation for a movement that continues to challenge environmental injustices and protect New Mexico’s most vulnerable communities.

Among Elaine’s pivotal accomplishments is her leadership in securing the EPA designation of the Española Basin Sole Source Aquifer (EBSSA). This designation ensures that development in the region cannot threaten the sole drinking water supply for thousands of New Mexicans, reinforcing the importance of long-term protections for critical resources. Common Ground Rising has consistently demonstrated that grassroots advocacy can lead to transformative outcomes, with impacts felt across generations.

A significant ongoing battle is the effort to protect Rio Rancho’s municipal water supply from illegal dumping of TENORM radioactive waste into the municipal landfill. This waste, generated by oil and gas operations, poses a grave threat to the region’s water quality and public health. Through education, legal challenges, and public mobilization, Common Ground Rising is working to hold polluters accountable and ensure that communities are not left to bear the toxic burden of industrial waste.

The organization’s vision for a sustainable future is strengthened through partnerships with innovative initiatives like NASA’s HAQAST team. By using visual data to map pollution and climate vulnerabilities in Albuquerque and surrounding areas, Common Ground Rising is not only highlighting environmental inequities but also providing actionable solutions for building resilience to future climate crises. This work has empowered leaders and residents alike to make informed decisions to protect their communities.

From advocating against PFAS chemicals in oil and gas operations to fighting the construction of a dangerous LNG plant, Common Ground Rising has proven itself as a trusted voice for environmental justice in New Mexico. Its collaborations with youth organizations and international partners amplify its mission globally, connecting local battles with broader movements for justice and sustainability. Your support helps ensure that this vital work continues, securing a healthier and more equitable future for all. Join us in this fight—donate today to protect our water, air, and communities. The organization’s achievements don’t stop there. From fighting to ban PFAS chemicals in oil and gas operations to advocating against an LNG plant that threatened neighborhoods, Common Ground Rising is a trusted voice for New Mexicans on the frontlines of environmental injustice. The team also collaborates with youth organizations and international partners to amplify its mission globally, creating a ripple effect of positive change that transcends borders. As the climate crisis accelerates and threats to democracy grow, the work of Common Ground Rising has never been more critical. This is a story of resilience, determination, and hope—built on over 30 years of unwavering commitment to protecting our most precious resources. By supporting Common Ground Rising, you are investing in a future where clean water, fresh air, and healthy communities are not just ideals, but realities. Join us in making that future possible. Donate today.

We are not going away.

LANDFILL RADIOACTIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE IN THE RIO RANCHO LANDFILL

In 2019 we petitioned the New Mexico Environment Department to hold a hearing. They refused our petition of over 700 signatures to direct the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB), to hold a public hearing resulting in a full investigation of radioactive dumping in Rio Rancho. 

In March 2018 an Illicit radioactive waste disposal of 288 tons of TENORM was dumped into the Rio Rancho Waste Management landfill, then in August 2019 there was a radioactive brine water disposal into the Rio Rancho sewer treatment facility. 

Our concerned citizen group knows that the TENORM is a radioactive hazardous waste and harmful to humans.

We need protection. But like most issues impacting communities in New Mexico. It is up to the citizens to bring forward the issues for them to be addressed. We need the NMED and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect our water, air and soils. we have been gathering data and consulting with experts on the best way to move forward. We will be holding a community meeting soon to discuss wind-blown vector contaminants and exposures.

NO LNG STORAGE FACILITY ON THE WEST MESA

We have a liquified natural gas (LNG ) Storage Facility that we are also fighting.

Read More about the dangers of LNG Storage facilities. http://commongroundrising.org/psr-lng-safety-and-health-dangers/

Please sign our Petition to the Public Regulation Commission

WHO AQS Targeted Emission Drawdown

We are working on adopting the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AIR QUALITY STANDARDS for the city of Albuquerque and the County of Bernalillo. We have a petition to the AIR Board for support for this effort. See our website Home page for the works we are doing in our community, and how we raise the voices for economic, social and environmental justice.

Common Ground Rising is a member of the Anthropocene Alliance – (A2), the nation’s largest coalition of frontline communities fighting for environmental & climate justice

More specifics on the background and timeline and issues can be found on our Website at www.commongroundrising.org Please sign up for our email newsletter on these issues in our community

Please help us keep our doors open, as we navigate these environmental threats.

Please Donate to Common Ground Community Trust.

All donations made on this site are not tax-exempt or deductible. 

For Tax exempt donations checks over $200.00 must be made to our fiscal sponsor:

Albuquerque Center Peace and Justice

C/O Common Ground Community Trust

907 Nyasa RD SE

Rio Rancho, NM 87124 

Our children will thank you!