Quick Hits from the 2024 Session:
Appropriated $300 million for the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund to invest in critical land, water and wildlife projects across New Mexico in perpetuity
Invested $75 million in the NM Match Fund, which helps eligible local, tribal, and state entities compete with our states applying for federal grants, maximizing the benefit of historic federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and more
Approved an 8.8% increase in funding for the Department of Game and Fish, as well as a 14% increase in funding for species conservation, for a new annual budget of $52.8 million
Approved a 20.9% increase in funding for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, including a 112% increase to the healthy forests program, for a new annual budget of $118.2 million
Approved a 19.9% increase in funding for the New Mexico Environment Department, bringing the agency budget to $116.9 million, with a 63% increase in funding for water protection programs and a 41.8% increase in funding for resource management
Appropriated $7 million to the New Mexico Environment Department to design and implement surface water and groundwater permitting and regulatory enforcement
Appropriated $10 million to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department for the Climate Investment Center to kickstart clean energy projects around the state
Advanced protections for New Mexico voters by banning firearms at the polls and requiring the use of AI to be disclosed in campaign materials
Approved years-in-the-making individual and corporate tax incentives to make renewable energy and electric vehicles more accessible to New Mexico families and businesses
Said farewell to 6 legislators with a 90% or better Lifetime Conservation Score
Welcomed Charles Sallee as the new director of the Legislative Finance Committee
Quick Hits from the 2023 Session:
Created New Mexico’s first-ever dedicated funding source for conservation through the passage of SB 9
Invested $100 million for recurring conservation funding, with $50 million for both the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund and Permanent Fund
Passed New Mexico’s first-ever ban on high-level nuclear waste storage, which will remain in effect until the state agrees to the creation of a disposal facility and a repository is in operation
Allocated $100 million in the budget for “Energy and Economic Transition” spending to advance the just transition to clean energy
Passed nation’s first Native American Voting Rights Act to protect and expand voting access across the state’s Indian nations, tribes and pueblos
Welcomed Javier Martinez as the new Speaker of the House, succeeding Brian Egolf
Bid adieu to the long-time Director Legislative Finance Committee David Abbey
Know the Score > Take Action
Say ‘thanks’ … or, ‘no thanks’!
Tell your Legislators that you ‘know the score’
One of the best ways to influence the voting records of your elected officials is to communicate regularly with them. If your legislators scored well, it’s important to thank them and to support them. If you feel you weren’t well-represented by your legislators’ votes, it’s important to hold them accountable by letting them know what you think about their votes. The Scorecard is your key to staying informed on your legislators votes and getting in touch with them.
Communicate with the Governor and your Legislators
Whether you’re congratulating them on their score or expressing your disappointment, be direct, courteous and polite.
The most important part is letting them know that you are paying close attention to how they vote or, in the case of the Governor, what actions she takes on legislation that affects our air, land, and water.
Calling your legislator directly and sending letters through regular mail remain by far the most effective ways to communicate with your legislators.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor can always be contacted at the State Capitol. Except during the legislative session, state legislators should be contacted in their home districts, as listed on the current Legislators page.
To find your House District number and Representative, visit our map here.
To find your Senate District number and Senator, visit our map here.
