Comments can be up to 3 minutes in length
I urge the Commission to adopt strong, comprehensive, clear, and enforceable rules that fully implement SB 21 to fully protect New Mexico’s waters from existing and future pollution. SB 21 provides a historic opportunity for New Mexico to establish a strong state permitting system to safeguard rivers, streams, wetlands, and other essential surface waters.
[INCLUDE PERSONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE NEED TO PROTECT WATERS NEAR WHERE YOU LIVE]
The need for action is urgent. New Mexico cannot afford weak protections that jeopardize our limited water resources. Weak rules would leave vulnerable waters, communities, and future generations at risk for years to come.
We urge the Commission to adopt rules that:
- Protect the full breadth of New Mexico’s surface waters — including rivers, streams, wetlands, and the smaller tributaries and drainages that sustain them.
- Be at least as protective as lost federal protections – including incorporating the 404(b)(1) guidelines to ensure that impacts are avoided, minimized, and compensated for.
- Protect Tribal waters to the fullest extent possible.
- Ensure robust public participation so New Mexicans have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their water.
- Protect Wildlife by requiring meaningful engagement with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.
New Mexicans deserve clean, safe, and reliable water. I urge the Commission to act accordingly to pass strong clean water protections that ensure a healthy and safe future.