In the coming days the House floor will be voting to pass SB 21 – Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act! As you probably know, in 2023, the Supreme Court released a devastating ruling that eliminated federal safeguards for our waterways by gutting the Clean Water Act. SB 21 would put water quality management in local, New Mexican hands responsive to our waters’ unique conditions and needs.
This is the moment to help protect New Mexico’s waters! Contact your Representative and let them know you support SB 21!
You can find your House District and Representative with this interactive map.
In New Mexico, an estimated 95% of New Mexico’s rivers & streams and 88% of the state’s wetlands are at risk because protections under the federal Clean Water Act have been severely reduced. SB 21 would fill in these gaps and protect New Mexico’s waters.
Everybody in New Mexico will benefit from SB 21 and the creation of a comprehensive state framework for protecting surface water quality. First, this will provide local solutions to New Mexico’s unique water issues – we have the highest percentage of ephemeral and intermittent streams in the country. Second, it will provide clarity and efficiency for permit applicants because our New Mexico Environment Department will be the one issuing permits for New Mexico, not an EPA office in Dallas.
To find out more about SB 21 click here.
Contact your Representative and urge them to protect New Mexico’s waters because water can’t wait!