Pew Applauds New Mexico Legislature and Governor for Major Wildlife and Freshwater Protections

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today applauded New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing into law three bills last week that catapult the state to the forefront of freshwater and wildlife conservation efforts. The bills, which were passed by the state Legislature with bipartisan support, are designed to help fund wildlife crossings and safeguard the state’s clean water.

S.B. 21, the Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act, aims to ensure that national clean water protections that had existed in New Mexico for 50 years are continued at the state level. In addition, the law sets up a state-run program that seeks to avoid, minimize, and mitigate water pollution in state waters.

S.B. 37, the Strategic Water Reserve Fund, also protects New Mexico’s freshwater by expanding the scope of the state’s Strategic Water Reserve and creating a fund for the reserve that will provide money for the state to buy, lease, or accept donations of water rights for the benefit of imperiled species (among other potential environmental benefits). The reserve is integral to keeping water in rivers and aquifers and conserving important riparian habitat while honoring landowner water rights.

H.B. 2, the state budget for the coming fiscal year, invests $50 million in the Wildlife Corridors Fund for the planning and construction of wildlife crossings across New Mexico—the largest amount any state has ever appropriated for terrestrial wildlife crossings in a single year. This funding should fuel the implementation of the state’s Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, which identifies priority locations for overpasses and underpasses to protect wildlife and save lives.

Patrick Lane, a senior manager with Pew’s U.S. conservation team, issued the following statement:

“With these three measures, New Mexico’s legislators and governor have recommitted to the state’s leadership in river and wildlife conservation. Because of increased frequency of drought plus robust economic and population growth in the state, the New Mexico Environment Department predicts a reduction in water availability of 25% in the next 50 years. That means that conserving New Mexico’s water and wildlife has never been more important.

“The Legislature and governor doubled down on river and wildlife conservation, and New Mexicans will benefit from their actions for years to come.”

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Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.