Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation are sponsoring a pair of bills on Capitol Hill that they hope will help keep the Land of Enchantment in the flow with drinking water.
According to a report from KOB 4, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat representing New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, is working with U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, a Democrat representing the 3rd Congressional District, and U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, a Republican representing New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, to sponsor legislation that could provide drought relief by ensuring running water is available for residents of the state as well as other areas where a supply of consistent running water could be a problem.
“I think that the most important thing to say about them is they will provide the tools and resources to help our communities have water for generations to come,” Stansbury said of the bills during a virtual news conference, according to KOB, an Albuquerque TV station.
According to the KOB report, the Water Data Act will create a network for collecting, sharing and using information regarding water quality, drought and flooding. This data, which would be collected by government agencies, could be shared by the agricultural community to deal with drought conditions.
The TV news outlet noted that the second measure, the Rio Grande Water Security Act, will set up a water resource management plan to help communities along the river and ensure that their water needs can be met as they deal with drought conditions. The report noted that the measure aims to set up infrastructure to help communities along the river.
KOB also noted that the legislation seeks to help to restore the river. Stansbury told the news outlet that the full House could consider the measures in June.