New Mexico’s Waters at Risk

The Sackett v. EPA decision removed federal clean water protections for rivers, streams, and wetlands across the nation. Nowhere is more vulnerable to the impacts of this decision than New Mexico. That’s in part because of the abundance of seasonal waters that don’t flow year-round, and also because New Mexico currently does not have a surface water permitting program set up.

Use your voice to support solutions to this rollback of over 50-years of federal clean water protections!

Thankfully, Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration recognized the importance of such a program and supported the New Mexico Environment Department’s efforts in setting up a state-led program, even before the Sackett decision was finalized. The 2024 New Mexico legislative session saw a huge win for clean water with the appropriation of $7.6 million towards setting up this program, and Governor Lujan Grisham continues to highlight this critical need as a priority.

Send a letter below to say thank you to New Mexico’s Governor for prioritizing the protection of precious clean water and urge her to ensure critical components, such as wetland protections and strong citizen oversight provisions are included in this necessary permitting program.

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Governor

Michelle

Lujan Grisham

State of New Mexico

Dear Governor Lujan Grisham,

Thank you for your leadership in ensuring New Mexico’s precious water resources are protected for future generations! The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA was catastrophic for clean water protections across the country, but nowhere is more vulnerable than the Land of Enchantment. I am grateful your administration has prioritized the need to set up a state-led surface water quality permitting program and thank you and leaders in the legislature for the appropriation of $7.6 million in FY 2025 to begin developing this program.

I know there is much to consider in how to craft a program that works for New Mexico and urge you to direct the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to ensure the inclusion of the below components in this program:

- Adequate wetland protections, including permitting around dredge and fill activities for wetlands no longer under the jurisdiction of Clean Water Act protections;
- A meaningful government-to-government consultation process with Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations that respects sovereign Tribal water interests;
- Community input through a strong outreach process in setting the program up and the inclusion of a citizen suit provision in the final program.

I also hope you will direct NMED to utilize the funding appropriated this year to track and monitor impacts from Sackett and ensure existing water quality standards are being met while this program is being set up. Thank you for your continued leadership to ensure that New Mexico’s clean water is protected for New Mexico’s communities, culture, economy, and environment for generations to come!

Sincerely,

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