Sandra Lanier, San Juan Co. Commission Chair Pro-Tem
The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
From San Juan County
Thursday, July 9, 2026
At Tuesday’s San Juan County Commission Meeting, San Juan County Commission Chair Pro-Tem Sandra Lanier directed staff to request the New Mexico Department of Justice investigate high gas prices in San Juan County.
As of July 8, AAA reports that the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in San Juan County is $4.261, compared to
$3.88 in McKinley County, $3.942 in Albuquerque, and a statewide average of $3.939. The National average is $3.846.
Diesel fuel is listed at an average of $5.206 in San Juan County, compared to $4.756 in Albuquerque, a state average of
$4.759, and a national average of $4.810.
“Fuel prices fluctuate with market forces; however, San Juan County Residents are consistently paying much more than
our neighbors,” said Commissioner Sandra Lanier. “A 50-cent difference in the price of diesel puts our businesses at a
disadvantage and hurts our residents.”
The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
The advisory only applies to the 8683 users served by the Lower Valley Water Users Association Water System and did not extend to any of the other surrounding water systems or communities. New Mexico Drinking Water Regulations require Lower Valley Water Users Association Water to notify their water system consumers of this finding as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours after the system is notified of the confirmation of the violation.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
The meeting will be held from 6=8 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 21, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via an online submission form at farmingtonnm.gov/data-center. City staff will organize these inputs to ensure the most frequently asked questions are directly addressed during the main presentation.
Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect.
Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.