Michelle Lujan Grisham Governor of the State of New Mexico | Official website
The New Mexico House of Representatives has passed a bill establishing the Strategic Water Supply, marking progress in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's 50-Year Water Action Plan. The legislation aims to manage the state's water resources by developing brackish water, which is naturally salty and found underground.
Governor Lujan Grisham stated, "This legislation represents a forward-thinking approach to managing our state’s most precious resource." She emphasized the balance between economic opportunity and responsible stewardship of freshwater supplies.
Lead sponsor Representative Susan Herrera highlighted the importance of water in rural communities. "The Strategic Water Supply program is an innovative, responsive solution that uses our state’s existing resources to strengthen our drought resilience and help responsibly secure New Mexico’s water for future generations," she said.
House Bill 137 introduces the Strategic Water Supply program to conserve limited freshwater resources by treating and using brackish water for manufacturing and clean energy needs. This approach aims to preserve community drinking water while supporting local economies.
In response to concerns from lawmakers and the public, sponsors Representatives Herrera, Raymundo Lara, Rod Montoya, Senators George Muñoz, and Craig Brandt revised the bill. They removed produced water projects and a proposed fee on industry-generated produced water volume.
An important amendment was adopted by the House ensuring every project under this program will have a public protest option regardless of brackish water depth. This amendment aims to enhance public involvement in each project considered for a grant or contract under the Strategic Water Supply program.
The bill now moves to the New Mexico Senate. If approved by both legislative bodies and signed into law, HB 137 would establish key safeguards and funding opportunities for brackish water projects through a newly created fund. State natural resource agencies could then award grants and contracts for projects supporting economic development while protecting freshwater supplies.
Three state agencies—the Environment Department, Office of the State Engineer, and Economic Development Department—will collaborate on this initiative. Their goal is to encourage community utilities, private companies, and other entities to develop projects making treated brackish water suitable for local priorities while conserving more freshwater for people, agriculture, livestock, and nature.
For further information:
Watch: Strategic Water Supply — Key To Protecting New Mexico’s Future
