The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission has completed a three-day public hearing on the proposed rule for the Water Security Planning Act. The commission will now review the testimony and public comments before deciding whether to adopt, amend, or reject the rule.
NMISC Director Hannah Riseley-White noted, "The level of participation we’ve seen over the past year and during this hearing reflects how deeply New Mexicans care about the future of our water." She expressed gratitude for the input that will contribute to creating a rule based on collaboration, transparency, and sustainability.
The commission plans to deliberate on the proposed rule at an upcoming meeting. Once finalized, it will guide the formation of regional water security planning councils across New Mexico as part of advancing regional water planning required by the Water Security Planning Act.
The hearing allowed public participation both in person and online, gathering diverse voices from across the state. NMISC Water Planning Program staff provided testimony and exhibits on regional water planning history and future approaches under the proposed rule. Testimony was also given by NMISC Director Hannah Riseley-White and Office of the State Engineer General Counsel Nat Chakeres, who discussed aspects related to public welfare.
Commissioners had opportunities to ask questions about plan implementation, regional representation, and future planning considerations outlined in the proposed rule. Public comments were shared both in person and online from various stakeholders including tribal officials, acequia members, farmers, ranchers, rural water users, and environmental groups.
For more information on the Water Security Planning Act or to sign up for updates, visit MainStreamNM.org.
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