This is a critique of the water-related special appropriations in House Bill 2, the 2025 General Appropriation Act that passed the House on February 24. The appropriations emphasize treating brackish water as a niche water supply rather than seeking broad water security in the face of scarce, shrinking water supplies. What is Water Security? The United Nations published a practical definition of water security that is applicable to New Mexico’s situation. Water Security Laws Implementation: Underfunded and Stalled New Mexico’s water, cultural, and economic security would be substantially boosted if the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission vigorously implemented three 21st Century additions to New Mexico water law. All three are essential to New Mexico’s adaptation to having much less water. The Legislature, having passed these important policies and authorities into state water law, must appropriate resources to the Office […]
Opportunity Costs
The Governor has allowed water agencies to request badly needed staff capacity improvements but has not provided for the one-time expenses needed to implement the laws and a vastly improved knowledge of New Mexico’s groundwater, recognizing New Mexico is more […]