As the New Mexico legislative session commences, attention is drawn to water advocacy efforts aimed at promoting responsible management of this vital resource. The initiative is spearheaded by various organizations, including Amigos Bravos and NM Water Advocates, who are guiding discussions during the 2025 session.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed a $75 million allocation for the Strategic Water Supply. This funding would support processes such as produced water reuse from oil and gas operations, brackish water extraction, and desalination. However, concerns have been raised about potential risks to public health and freshwater resources. "We understand it to be a risk to public health and our already scarce freshwater resources," states Rev. Clara Sims from IPL New Mexico & El Paso.
Instead of supporting these methods, New Mexico & El Paso IPL advocates for investment in existing legislation like the 2023 Water Security Planning Act. The group recommends a $62 million appropriation through HB2 for several initiatives:
1. **Water Security Planning Act Implementation**: A proposed $30 million over three years aims to fund regional water planning based on reliable data.
2. **Water Agency Modernization**: Another $30 million over three years is suggested for modernizing equipment and processes within the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and Interstate Stream Commission (ISC).
3. **Active Water Resource Management (AWRM)**: A $2 million allocation over two years would prepare for water rights enforcement in the Middle and Lower Rio Grande.
Recent federal policy changes have left many New Mexico waterways without protection under the EPA’s Water Quality Act following the Sackett Supreme Court decision in 2023. As a result, state-level protections are being sought through two bills:
- **Water Quality Act Changes (SB 22)**: Sponsored by Senator Wirth and Rep. Ortez, this bill proposes amendments enabling state surface water permitting programs.
- **NMPDES Primacy Bill (SB 21)**: Sponsored by Senator Wirth and Rep. Duhigg, this bill seeks state authority over surface water discharge permits currently managed by the EPA.
For those interested in further engagement or updates on advocacy efforts regarding New Mexico's waterways, contact details for key individuals are provided.
