The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has published its third-quarter performance report for fiscal year 2025. This report allows the public, stakeholders, and legislators to monitor the department's progress in safeguarding public health and the environment from January 1 to March 31. It also sheds light on budgetary and staffing challenges affecting performance, community investments made, and other significant achievements by NMED staff.
Among the accomplishments highlighted are the drafting and support of four historic bills aimed at protecting New Mexico’s water, promoting recycling projects, and eliminating toxic PFAS. Additionally, a historic agreement was reached with HollyFrontier-Sinclair Navajo Refining for $35 million. The department also conducted statewide public meetings for the Climate Action Plan and secured funds to replace a failed sewer line in Santa Rosa.
NMED reported a 2.6% increase in filled positions, rising from 605 to 621 employees. This represents the lowest vacancy rate in department history, reflecting its reputation as an ambitious workplace.
For FY25, NMED received recurring appropriations totaling $198.5 million dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. This includes $33.3 million in general funds, $67.9 million in special revenue funds such as permit fees, and $97.3 million in federal funds. Additionally, NMED received $22.7 million in one-time appropriations for specific purposes.
The performance report was developed by NMED’s Office of Strategic Initiatives and includes data on 56 performance measures across five broad categories: Public Health Measures (seven), Environmental Protection Measures (ten), Compliance Measures (32), Economic Investment Measures (four), and Operational Measures (three).
Enforcement efforts led to five programs exceeding their quarterly compliance targets: Solid & Infectious Waste Program achieved 100% compliance; Cannabis & Hemp Program reached 100% compliance; Radiation Control Program maintained 100% compliance; Ground Water Quality Program achieved 100% compliance; Liquid Waste Program reached 99.1% compliance.
The full FY25 Q3 Performance Assessment is available for viewing.
Information from this article can be found here.
