New Mexico took historic steps towards protecting our lands and waters this legislative session.#
It’s all thanks to these conservation champions:#
- Representative Meredith A. Dixon | New Mexico House District 20
- Representative Javier Martínez (Speaker of the House) | New Mexico House District 11
- Representative Matthew McQueen | New Mexico House District 50
- Representative Kristina Ortez | New Mexico House District 42
- Representative Angelica Rubio | New Mexico House District 35
- Representative Nathan Small | New Mexico House District 36
- Senator Mimi Stewart (President Pro Tempore) | New Mexico Senate District 17
- Senator Peter Wirth | New Mexico Senate District 25
Legislators dedicated $13 million to the Strategic Water Reserve, a critical tool to protect our rivers, and $70 million in the Public Lands Investment & Recovery Package in this year’s budget. Many of these state leaders also deepened commitments to the landmark Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, championed improvements to the state’s wildlife management system, spoke out for public lands, and have regularly supported New Mexicans’ access to nature.
This support for conservation comes at a decisive moment.#
With an expected 25% reduction in streamflow in New Mexico’s rivers over the next 50 years, investing in our waters now is more important than ever. The Strategic Water Reserve allows the state to buy, lease, or accept donated water to keep New Mexico’s rivers flowing. But without new funding, the Reserve would have run out of money by 2027. The $13 million in this year’s budget will help ensure the Reserve has the resources needed to continue protecting New Mexico’s rivers. New Mexico conservation leaders also secured $70 million in the Public Lands Investment & Recovery Package to expand affordable access to public lands and help communities recover from natural disasters. It’s a win-win: growing our outdoor recreation economy while supporting voluntary, locally led recovery solutions in a uniquely New Mexican way.
