The New Mexico Green Amendment 2023 Anticipated Language:
Co-sponsors: Senator Sedillo Lopez and Rep Ferrary
SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:
- The people of the state shall be entitled to clean and healthy air, water, soil and environment; a stable climate; and self-sustaining ecosystems, for the benefit of public health, safety and general welfare. The state shall protect these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal membership status, socioeconomics, or geography.
- The state, counties and municipalities shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of New Mexico and shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including present and future generations.
- The provisions of this section are self-executing. Monetary damages shall not be awarded for a violation of this section. This section is enforceable against the state, counties and municipalities.
SECTION 2. It is proposed to amend Article 20 of the constitution of New Mexico by repealing Section 21.
To sign on for your organization contact Maya K van Rossum maya@forthegenerations.org
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj27K6YACqWRQxzKr92J-5wouHXhXq6vJbOBSHeo39eLChhQ/viewform
Climate Solutions and Energy Transition Bill
In general a Climate bill could call for:
50% reduction in GHG by 2030 to 2005 levels
By 2050 emission reduced by at least 90% of gross emissions based on 2005 levels
The bill also establishes a consultation requirement for overburdened communities and Tribal nations and creates a Just Transition Office to coordinate financial resources and government programs to support economic transition of communities most impacted by fossil-fuel pollution and production. It also creates a Resiliency Office and a Climate Crisis Infrastructure Fund to address climate-related emergencies and codifies state policy vehicles to ensure efficient allocation of federal Inflation Reduction Act dollars for energy efficiency, methane reduction programs, environmental-justice block grants, and clean cars and trucks.
Public Health and Climate Resiliency Act
Sponsored by Representative Liz Thomson and Senator Liz Stefanics
- Creating a Public Health and Climate Resiliency Program at the Department of Health to build capacity and expertise, support development and implementation of response systems, and improve interagency collaboration.
- Establishing a Public Health and Climate Resiliency Fund to assist and enable local and tribal communities to adapt to climate change and respond to public health emergencies from extreme weather events.
Holtec
Senator Jeff Steinborn sponsored 2022 bill
In 2022 House Bill 127 stated that although the state can’t interfere with how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates nuclear waste, the state of New Mexico can block storage sites that could cause adverse environmental and health impacts.
Oil and Gas Reform Act
Sponsors: Senator Leo Jaramillo
Legislation will be introduced to reform and modernize the 1935 Oil and Gas Act to reflect the public interests at stake today. When the Oil and Gas Act was enacted more than 85 years ago, development of oil and gas resources was the only public interest at that time. Would recreate the make-up of the Oil and Gas commission and include environmental justice and community call for process to get set backs for health and well being of frontline community members.
Energy Efficiency
Low Income Utility Rates Legislation
This bill will require electric and gas utilities to provide a low-income rate. The goal is to bring the average low-income user to a energy burden of 5% or less. 19 other states already offer a low-income rate.
Appliance Efficiency Standards
This bill would set minimum energy and water efficiency standards for certain household and commercial appliance products. Designed to create utility bill savings for both individuals and businesses.
Various Water Bills:
Middle Rio Grande Water Advocate are working 4 proposed bills for the 2023 NM legislative session. They developed detailed proposals for the following.
A.) A modernized water governance structure with a Cabinet level Water Department which will include the Interstate Stream Commission and the Water Quality Control Commission, as well as a General Counsel, Equity & Tribal Consultation, & Program Support of funding, communications & Information Technology. There will be 7 divisions including the above, as well as the Office of the State Engineer, Water Projects, Adjudications, Hydrology & Data.
B.) Begin robust water planning correcting current deficiencies and removing barriers to successful regional planning.
C.) Creating a $1 Billion water resiliency fund.
D.) Managing water delivery debt, which includes adjustments needed as climate change challenges water payments to an unchanging contract with downstream water users including the state of Texas.
January 11 6:30 Middle Rio Grande Water Advocates update on legislative session and bills for water. Register at Rio Grande Water Advocates website
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlf-6srz8pHdDpCfnl5MBS6Waxvl4GmR1u
Protecting due process in water leases:
Sponsors: Sen. Peter Wirth and Rep. Christine Chandler
NM Acequia Association shepherding bill. Fact sheet to come soon.
Overall support agencies for more funding to do their work.