A bill aimed at protecting New Mexico's waters has advanced to the House floor after clearing its final committee hurdle. The House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee voted 5-4 in favor of SB 21. This legislation seeks to restore clean water safeguards and establish state-level oversight of water permitting.
Federal rollbacks to Clean Water Act protections have left up to 95% of New Mexico's streams vulnerable. Without a state-level permitting system, the state's waterways were ranked as the most endangered in the nation by American Rivers in its 2024 Most Endangered Rivers report.
SB 21 aims to reinstate clean water protections at the state level. It also grants New Mexico authority over permitting for waters under federal jurisdiction, streamlining regulatory processes and ensuring local oversight.
The bill was originally introduced as two separate bills—SB 22 and SB 21—by Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, Senator Bobby Gonzales, and Representative Kristina Ortez. It has since been consolidated under SB 21, creating a framework for a comprehensive state water permitting program.
The bill is now set for a vote on the House floor. Its passage would mark significant progress in safeguarding New Mexico’s water resources.
"Valuing water and valuing life are one and the same. In the absence of federal protections, our state leaders have an urgent and sacred responsibility to protect our precious waterways of New Mexico for the thriving of all our communities of life, human and beyond, for all generations to come," said Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director, New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light.
