Enchantment State News

Legislation to establish the New Mexico Strategic Water Supply has successfully passed the Senate and is now awaiting the governor's signature. This bill marks a significant step in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 50-Year Water Action Plan, which focuses on sustaining New Mexico's freshwater resources over the long term.

House Bill 137 aims to conserve New Mexico’s limited freshwater by promoting the treatment and use of brackish water—naturally occurring underground salty water. The bill seeks to leverage this largely untapped resource for manufacturing and clean energy development, supporting economic growth while preserving water supplies for other uses.

Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The Strategic Water Supply is essential to protecting our most precious natural resource, strengthening our rapidly growing economy, and ensuring that future generations have safe, fresh water supplies.” She expressed her eagerness to sign House Bill 137 and begin utilizing more of the state's brackish water resources promptly.

Senate bill sponsor Sen. George K. Muñoz highlighted the benefits of the legislation: “This legislation will provide every community with access to a stable freshwater supply at a lower cost.” He described it as a "win-win proposition."

Rep. Susan K. Herrera, who sponsored the bill in the House, acknowledged their efforts: “The House worked extremely hard on this bill so we could increase statewide water resources while ensuring a rigorous public disclosure and protest process.” She noted that it had been thoroughly vetted and revised during its legislative journey.

The bill also proposes creating a Strategic Water Supply Program Fund. This fund will allow the Environment Department and Office of the State Engineer to award grants and contracts for projects that foster economic development while safeguarding freshwater supplies. The Economic Development Department will also play a role in this program.

The initiative encourages community utilities, private companies, and other entities to develop projects that make treated brackish water suitable for local needs. This effort aims to preserve freshwater for households, agriculture, livestock, and natural ecosystems.