Join us to learn State water agency legislation and funding needs to confront New Mexico’s water crises by funding essential work that only the State can do. The Office of the State Engineer / Interstate Stream Commission budget request is a cry for help. Bureau of Geology groundwater science and data programs must be funded to characterize the state’s groundwater resources, both fresh and brackish. The Environment Department requires statutory authority to assume State control of water pollution discharge regulation abandoned by the feds. An invited speaker will summarize the proposed Clear Horizons Act to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
A rare super El Niño is spreading across the Pacific, and it may bring New Mexico a brief reprieve from years of deepening drought. But forecasters warn that one or two wet seasons won't erase long-term water deficits — and climate warming means the Southwest's aridification is far from over.