2022 HB 164 Uranium Mine Cleanup

CVNM Position:

Support

Priority:

CVNM Priority Vote

Year:

2022

Sponsors:

Anthony Allison
D. Wonda Johnson
Debra M. Sariñana
Jeff Steinborn

Topics:

Environmental Justice
Land
Water

Legislative Info:

HB 164 on nmlegis.gov »

Description

HB 164 outlines Department of Environment duties for clean-up and reclamation of former uranium mine and mill sites; tasks other departments, offices, and agencies to collaborate (EMNRD, Indian affairs, office of natural resources trustee, state land office; depts. of fish and game, cultural affairs, health, workforce solutions, and economic development); duties include the development of a strategic plan and a mechanism for consultation and coordination with the federal government and directly impacted communities; requires annual reporting to the radioactive and hazardous materials committee and the creation of a Dept. of Environment uranium mine reclamation coordinator position; creates the uranium mining reclamation revolving fund; appropriates $350,000 general fund dollars to Dept. of Environment for FY23 for purposes outlined.

Outcome

HB 164 passed the House 64-0, and the Senate 26-0 and was signed by the Governor on March 1, 2022