On January 30, the Senate Conservation Committee voted 6-3 to advance SB 21 and SB 22, which aim to provide significant protections for New Mexico waters. These bills will next be reviewed by the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees before proceeding to the House for a floor vote.
Recent federal rollbacks have left up to 95% of New Mexico's waters without protection previously provided under the Clean Water Act. As a result, American Rivers listed all New Mexico rivers as the most endangered in its 2024 report.
Rev. Clara Sims from New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light emphasized the importance of protecting waterways: “Valuing water and valuing life are one and the same...our state leaders have an urgent and sacred responsibility to protect our precious waterways.”
The proposed legislation aims to continue federal clean water protections at the state level while granting authority to New Mexico for permitting federally protected waters. This would streamline processes and bring oversight under state control.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth and Rep. Kristina Ortez sponsored SB 22, establishing a state-level permitting system for unprotected waters, alongside SB 21, which would allow state control over waters managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Rachel Conn of Amigos Bravos expressed satisfaction with these developments: “We’re pleased to see...SB 21 and SB 22 that would reinstate decades of prior protections.” Paula Garcia from the New Mexico Acequia Association highlighted that clean water is essential for irrigation: “A state-based permitting system will help protect our acequias and farms.”
Tricia Snyder from New Mexico Wild remarked on forming a complete surface water permitting program: “These protections are critical...for future generations.” Jared Berenice Estrada from The Semilla Project called for urgent legislative action: "Urgent action is required."
Allyson Siwik of Gila Resources Information Project noted that many watersheds are at risk due to lost protections. Tannis Fox from Western Environmental Law Center pointed out that these bills establish a framework necessary for safeguarding various resources in New Mexico.
Rev. Clara Sims reiterated her stance on protecting waterways for all communities across generations.
