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HB 111 |
Crop Dusting Tanks as Above Ground Storage more
Summary: HB 111 would have exempted above ground tanks used to store airplane fuel from environmental protection laws as long as the size of each tank was less than 10,000 gallons. Regardless of size, above ground tanks pose a risk of leaks and spills that could endanger public health and safety. Nothing in the bill suggested any justification for completely exempting these tanks from state laws; it would have removed common sense environmental protections.
Outcome: HB 111 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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 |
Oppose |
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2016 |
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HB 285 |
Tax RateDifferential For Certain Oil more
Summary: HB 285 (and its companion SB 34) would have extended a reduction in the severance tax to oil and other liquid hydrocarbons removed from natural gas at or near the wellhead produced from a qualified enhanced recovery project that involved the application of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide that is produced by human activities such as oil refining. This bill would have subsidized an extremely expensive oil and gas method at the expense of other taxpayer priorities.
Outcome: HB 285 passed the House (59-7) but died in the Senate Finance Committee. SB 34 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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 |
Oppose |
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2016 |
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HJR 9 |
Convention of States more
Summary: HJR 9 applied for a convention of states under Article V of the United States Constitution. It sought to amend the Constitution of the United States to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for Members of Congress. By limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, one possibility was that the state may have revoked the jurisdiction of the federal government over public lands, and thus gained control to manage, develop or sell public lands.
Outcome: HJR 9 passed the House (36-27), but died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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 |
Oppose |
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2016 |
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HM 40 |
Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance Storage Facility more
Summary: HM 40 (and its companion SM 34) authorizes the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance to construct a consolidated interim storage facility at its site in southeastern New Mexico for the storage of spent nuclear fuel rods from commercial (for-profit) nuclear power generation plants. This facility will pose significant risks to public health and safety both at the site of the facility and during transport of the spent fuel to the facility.
Outcome: HM 40 passed the House (50-17). SM 34 passed the Senate (27-10). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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 |
Oppose |
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2016 |
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SB 76 |
Lead in Sale of Recycled Metals Act more
Summary: SB 76 adds lead and lead-based products (such as lead-acid batteries) to the products regulated by the Recycled Metals Act. It helps to ensure that lead is disposed of in a way that minimizes its environmental impact.
Outcome: SB 76 passed the Senate (41-0) and the House (59-0). The bill was signed by the Governor on March 4, 2016.
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Support |
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2016 |
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HB 87 |
Water Quality Control Commission Meetings more
Summary: HB 87 would have provided the Water Quality Control Commission with overly broad authority to decide the location of public hearings that they conduct. This would create the possibility for hearings to be conducted in a location that makes attendance difficult or impossible for communities most affected by proposed regulations or water quality standards. There is no provision in this bill to ensure that hearings regarding regulations or water quality standards are held in an area that is substantially affected by the regulation or standard.
Outcome: HB 87 passed the House (43-21) and died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HB 188 |
Sand & Gravel Mining Violation Penalties more
Summary: HB 188 would have strengthened penalties for violation of county ordinances regulating the mining of sand, gravel and related materials. Currently, these are some of the more poorly-regulated and least-enforced extractive industries.
Outcome: HB 188 died in the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Support |
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2015 |
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HB 299 |
Public-Private Partnership Act more
Summary: HB 299 was a sweeping measure that would privatize public entities that are most appropriately developed and maintained by public entities such as water and sewage systems. Experiences by other governments in privatizing public services (e.g. transportation, water treatment, education, public safety) have rarely been successful, usually resulting in higher costs, lower quality and expensive legal battles in the long-term.
Outcome: HB 299 passed the House (38-27) and died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HB 340 |
Change Certain Voter ID Requirements more
Summary: HB 340 would have likely disenfranchised voters, especially minority and elderly voters who are often most disproportionately impacted by the effects of pollution and environmental injustice, by requiring a photo ID issued by a government, federal agency, recognized tribe or educational institution.
Outcome: HB 340 passed the House (37-29) and died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HB 366 |
Oil & Gas State Preemption more
Summary: Counties and municipalities have the power to adopt local ordinances that best suit community needs and interests. To date, some communities have passed ordinances restricting certain aspects of oil and gas production in response to concerns of water contamination and health risks. HB 366 would have invalidated any county and municipality ordinance relating to oil and gas law, including zoning ordinances--removing the critical flexibility that communities need to protect the public interest on a local scale.
Outcome: HB 366 passed the House (37-28) and died in the Senate Conservation Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HB 445 |
Reduce Renewable Portfolio Standards more
Summary: The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) prompts utilities to diversify their energy production by investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and holds them accountable to meet modest thresholds. HB 445 sought to weaken the state’s RPS by removing the requirement that utilities produce 20% of their energy from renewable sources by the year 2020.
Outcome: HB 445 passed the House (33-32) and died in the Senate Conservation Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HB 564 |
Right to Farm and Operations as a Nuisance more
Summary: HB 564 would have weakened a citizen’s right to legally respond when they have been impacted by the effects of pollution caused by agricultural operations.
Outcome: HB 564 passed the House (35-29) and died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Oppose |
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2015 |
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HM 74 |
Protect State Land from Chicken Listing more
Summary: The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides key protections for vulnerable, threatened and endangered species, like the Lesser Prairie Chicken. The ESA also provides states with funding to assist with endangered species program implementation. While the goal of protecting the Lesser Prairie Chicken without federal intervention is laudable, the language resolving that all actions necessary be taken to shield public lands from ESA protections resulting from federal listing of the species raises concerns. If the Lesser Prairie Chicken is sufficiently protected through private and local actions, then the issue of federal listing becomes moot: no listing will be necessary. However, security of the species must be demonstrated first. Opposing federal listing before the species has adequate populations, habitat and protections to ensure long-term viability is woefully premature. Moreover, should resources be necessary to support regional and local protection efforts, that funding may best be secured through ESA listing.
Outcome: HM 74 passed the House (31-22). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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 |
Oppose |
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2015 |
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SB 94 |
Industrial Hemp Farming Act more
Summary: Industrial hemp is an incredibly versatile, fast-growing and drought-resistant agricultural product that requires virtually no pesticides or herbicides. It can be used to produce paper, textiles, plastics, fuel and food products, and has proven very profitable for farmers in other countries. This bill would provide for licensing of the growing, selling and processing of industrial hemp in New Mexico.
Outcome: SB 94 passed the Senate (33-8) and passed the House (54-12) but was vetoed by the Governor on April 10, 2015.
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Support |
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2015 |
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SB 391 |
Extend Solar Market Development Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 391 would extend the existing 10% tax credit for the installation of commercial, residential and agricultural solar systems, which is set to expire December 31, 2016. This 10% tax credit has helped many New Mexicans invest in solar energy for their homes, businesses and farms, improving the environment and public health by reducing the demand for coal-fired electricity.
Outcome: SB 391 passed the Senate (37-5) and passed the House (39-24) but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2015 |
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HB 296 |
Economic Development Utility Rates more
Summary: HB 296 (and its companion SB 283) would have shifted costs for economic development utility expansion (e.g. sprawl development or industry) to other ratepayers, effectively subsidizing the expansion at the expense of small business and lower-income ratepayers. HB 296 and SB 283 were almost identical to HB 183; there were only minor differences, with the addition of an emergency clause in both HB 296 and SB 283.
Outcome: HB 296 passed the House (47-17) and was defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 283 died on the Senate calendar.
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Oppose |
A |
2014 |
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HB 40 |
Designation Of Benefit Corporations more
Summary: HB 40 is a common-sense measure that allows corporations to voluntarily designate themselves as “benefit corporations”, which gives them greater latitude of purpose than simple profit maximization. Benefit corporations can include social and environmental benefits in their purposes, and HB 40 specifies certain responsibilities for reporting and accountability. Protections in the bill ensure that individual shareholders can opt out at the time of designation and receive payment for their shares, and the bill also limits liability if the corporation fails to achieve its stated social or environmental purposes
Outcome: HB 40 passed the House (62-3) and passed the Senate (33-6) but was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2013 |
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HB 286 |
Oil & Gas Financial Assurance more
Summary: Much has changed since 1935, when the Oil and Gas Act was enacted. The Act is desperately in need of modernization to reflect current realities—particularly the need to adequately enforce the oil and gas industry’s responsibility to protect crucial and declining water supplies. HB 286 would have brought New Mexico’s fines and penalties in line with surrounding states like Texas and Arizona. The legislation also corrected glaring inconsistencies between the Oil and Gas Act and other state environmental statutes, ensuring equal treatment of similar activities under state law.
Outcome: HB 286 died on the House floor (32-36).
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Support |
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2013 |
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HB 405 |
Public-Private Partnerships Act more
Summary: Similar to SB 273, but far more sweeping in the types of public projects and resources that could be privatized (e.g. dams, reservoirs, water treatment plants, utility infrastructure, etc.); HB 405 would have facilitated private control of projects that are most appropriately operated by responsive public entities. Experiences by other governments in privatizing public services (e.g. transportation, education, public safety) have rarely been successful, usually resulting in higher costs, lower quality and expensive legal battles in the long-term.
Outcome: HB 405 passed the House (50-19) and died in the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee.
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Oppose |
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2013 |
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HB 429 |
Environmental Private Right Of Action more
Summary: HB 429 afforded landowners or other affected parties a private right of action to pursue enforcement of environmental laws against violators or agencies who are failing to enforce existing law. An example might be the case of a rural landowner whose groundwater is at risk of contamination by a polluting company; if the state refuses to require the company to stop polluting groundwater, the landowner would have recourse in court.
Outcome: HB 429 died on the House floor (30-36).
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Support |
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2013 |
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HM 21 |
Preserve Prairie Chicken To Oppose Listing more
Summary: The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides key protections for vulnerable, threatened, and endangered species, like the lesser prairie chicken. The Act also provides states with funding to assist with endangered species program implementation. While the goal of protecting the lesser prairie chicken without federal intervention is laudable, the language resolving opposition to federal listing of the species raises concerns. If the lesser prairie chicken is sufficiently protected through private and local actions, then the issue of federal listing becomes moot: no listing will be necessary. However, security of the species must be demonstrated first. Opposing federal listing before the species has adequate populations, habitat and protections to ensure long-term viability is woefully premature. Moreover, should resources be necessary to support regional and local protection efforts, that funding may best be secured through ESA listing.
Outcome: HM 21 passed the House (39-28). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2013 |
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SB 163 |
Change Board & Commission Sunset Dates more
Summary: SB 163 extends seven board and commission expiration or “sunset” dates, including the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The WQCC is set to sunset on July 1, 2013. The WQCC is the only entity in New Mexico authorized to enact rules pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act or to set water quality standards. The Commission also approves variances for water quality regulations and hears appeals of water pollution permits.
Outcome: After a long and complicated fight in both chambers, efforts to sunset the WQCC in 2013 failed. If signed by the Governor, the WQCC’s expiration or “sunset” will be extended to 2019. SB 163 passed the Senate (42-0) and passed the House (63-4) and was signed by the Governor on April 4, 2013.
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Oppose |
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2013 |
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SB 479 |
Adequate Subdivision Water Supplies more
Summary: SB 479 protects our limited water supplies from “double dipping”. Currently, large landowners and developers can sever water rights from a property and sell them off at high market values, while constructing major subdivisions that rely entirely on domestic wells for their water supplies. Because domestic wells don’t require a water right, it’s a legal ‘loophole’ that enables double-dipping.
Outcome: SB 479 passed the Senate (35-4) and passed the House (55-13) and was signed by the Governor on April 4, 2013.
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Support |
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2013 |
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SB 480 |
Subdivision Water Permits more
Summary: SB 480 strengthens State Engineer evaluation of water availability for new subdivisions by reducing the assessment threshold from 20 parcels or more to 10 parcels or more, where any one of these parcels is less than 2 acres in size. At the same time, the bill makes subdivision water permits from the State Engineer mandatory, and prevents the State Engineer from basing a permit on water supply from domestic wells, which cumulatively may impair senior water rights holders.
Outcome: SB 480 passed the Senate (30-10) and passed the House (41-25) and was signed the Governor on April 5, 2013.
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Support |
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2013 |
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HB 34 |
Rulemaking Requirements more
Summary: The product of intensive negotiations among diverse constituencies, agencies, and other interests, HB34 represented a consensus approach to enacting consistent procedures for administrative rulemaking that best served the public interest.
Outcome: HB34 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2012 |
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HB 35 |
Public Meeting Agendas 72 Hours Prior more
Summary: New Mexicans face a number of barriers to getting actively involved in public policy. HB35 would have addressed one such obstacle by amending the Open Meetings Act to require that agendas for public meetings be available 72 hours in advance, except in the case of emergencies.
Outcome: HB35 passed the House (57-9), but died on the Senate floor calendar.
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Support |
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2012 |
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HB 74 |
Conservancy District Absentee Ballots more
Summary: Turnout in conservancy district elections is notoriously low. HB74 removes the requirement that absentee ballot applications be notarized, making it easier for voters to participate in these important elections, and making the requirements consistent with the standards in the Election Code.
Outcome: HB74 passed both the House (63-2) and Senate (36-0), and was signed by the Governor on March 5th, 2012.
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Support |
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2012 |
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HM 4 |
Opposition to Citizens United Ruling more
Summary: This memorial (and its companionSM 3) express deep concern over the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, and the inevitable flood of corporate money into elections—which is almost certain to drown out the voices of individual citizens. HM4 and SM3 urge Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would effectively overturn the ruling.
Outcome: HM4 passed the House (38-29), and SM3 passed the Senate (20-9). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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Support |
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2012 |
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HB 284/SB 431 |
Renewable Energy Facilities in Environmental Services Tax more
Summary: These measures would have expanded the purposes of county-imposed environmental services gross receipts taxes--currently authorized for solid waste, and water and wastewater—to include renewable energy facilities and systems.
Outcome: HB284 passed the House (37-31), but died in the Senate Finance Committee. SB431 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2011 |
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HB 297 |
Blanket Plugging Financial Assurance Increase more
Summary: HB297 represented a dangerous effort to undermine safeguards on inactive oil and gas wells that are a major vector for contamination of groundwater—on which 9 out of 10 New Mexicans depend for our drinking water. Although extensive negotiations yielded a version of the bill that was at least neutral from an environmental standpoint, the compromise drew fire from some sectors of the oil and gas industry.
Outcome: HB297 died in the Senate Conservation Committee.
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Oppose |
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2011 |
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HB 302 |
Protection from Certain Scientific Topics more
Summary: New Mexico has adopted baseline standards and curricula to ensure that all students have access to the same quality of education statewide. HB302 would have circumvented these critical uniform standards for topics deemed “controversial” at any educator’s discretion -- like evolution and climate change – by allowing teachers to introduce alternative beliefs as scientific information in the classroom.
Outcome: HB302 died in the House Education Committee.
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Oppose |
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2011 |
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HM 46 |
Endangered Species Act Enforcement Study more
Summary: While CVNM supports protections for farmers, ranchers, and small business owners as needed, HM46 simply blames federal regulation for harm caused to land owners – economic or otherwise. HM46 jeopardizes endangered species programs – and broadly attacks regulation – by challenging the jurisdiction and intent of the federal government. HM46 also fails to acknowledge the many benefits of federal law or recognize other externalities that could cause economic harm to land owners, resulting in an unbalanced and factually incorrect view of federal regulation.
Outcome: HM46 passed the House (43-24). Memorials and resolutions do not require action by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2011 |
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HB 81 |
Petroleum Storage Tank Definition Changes more
Summary: To maintain state primacy in the regulation of petroleum storage tanks, and to avoid punitive measures by the federal government, New Mexico’s laws must be at least as stringent as federal law. SB61 (and its companion HB81) are ‘fixes’ that amend state statute to be consistent with federal law, allowing us to access millions of dollars in federal money to clean up underground storage tanks that threaten water quality. Similar bills failed to pass in prior years, so this is an important achievement.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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 |
Support |
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2010 |
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HB 259 |
Private Action to Enforce Enviro Statutes more
Summary: Currently, New Mexicans can only sue polluters for damages to their health or property after the fact. HB259 would have allowed private citizens who are adversely affected by illegal pollution the right to take violators to court to stop the pollution. Any penalties imposed would have accrued to the state. When we're facing a budget crisis, and agencies already have limited resources for enforcement, this bill would have given New Mexicans a critical tool to protect their families and clean up their communities.
Outcome: Defeated in the House.
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Support |
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2010 |
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HB 276 |
Air Quality Control Permit Denial more
Summary: Under every major New Mexico environmental statute, the state has the authority to deny or revoke a permit for an egregious violator—with one exception: the Air Quality Control Act. The effect is that the worst of the worst rogue companies can pollute our air, giving our children asthma and our parents cancer, but we still can’t stop them from operating in our state. These measures would have rectified this injustice by authorizing the state to deny or revoke permits in instances where the applicant or permittee is guilty of specific bad acts.
Outcome: Defeated in both the House and the Senate.
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Support |
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2010 |
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HJM 29 |
Consider Clean Energy Legislation more
Summary: With abundant renewable energy resources, our state is poised for a boom in the clean energy industry. By simply urging Congress to take federal action on climate change and clean energy, HJM 29 sends a message that New Mexico will benefit from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by creating clean energy jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Like many pieces of pro-conservation legislation, this measure should not have been controversial; unfortunately, it was.
Outcome: Passed the House and signed.
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Support |
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2010 |
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HJM 32 |
Enforce Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act more
Summary: Irresponsible use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) poses major threats to wildlife and ecosystems, private property, and the safety of their riders. This joint memorial lacked any attempt at balancing the need for training youth on OHV safety with educating parents and children about the dangers of OHVs -- the mortality and injury rates among youth riders in particular. Of greater concern is that the memorial sought to shift resources from critical enforcement activities to training programs that are already widely offered.
Outcome: Defeated in the House.
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Oppose |
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2010 |
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SB 186 |
Natural Heritage Conservation Act more
Summary: Each year, New Mexico misses out on tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for conservation projects, because we don’t have a fund set up for that purpose. SB186 establishes a fund — with no money attached — that could be used for habitat restoration projects and protection of water quality and quantity, working farms and ranches, forests and watersheds, recreational opportunities, and more.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2010 |
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SB 195/a |
Sunshine Portal Transparency Act more
Summary: One of the most significant barriers to civic engagement is the inaccessibility of government information. SB195 requires the state to develop, operate and maintain a publicly-accessible internet database that contains extensive information on state government budgets, expenditures and other financial records.
Outcome: SB 195/a votes are House vote. Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2010 |
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SB 200 |
Public Building Energy Efficiency Standards more
Summary: A tremendous opportunity exists to save both energy and money in a badly stressed economy by ensuring that public buildings are energy-efficient. SB200 requires efficient design and operation of public buildings through the EPA’s Energy Star Certification program. A 1-2% initial investment premium in new and retrofitted public buildings recovered in two years of energy savings, and generates a 10-fold return on investment over 20 years.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2010 |
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HB 68 |
Non-Game Fish Capture or Killing more
Summary: HB68 expands the authority of the Game Commission to regulate the methods and devices used to capture non-game fish species. This bill is intended to reduce the application of cruel and wasteful killing techniques.
Outcome: Defeated in the Senate.
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Support |
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2009 |
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HB 340 |
New Emission Standards to Take Effect in 2015 more
Summary: HB340 (and its companion SB548) delay the effective date of New Mexico’s “clean cars” rule until 2015. Along with 13 other states representing roughly half of the American population and vehicle fleet, New Mexico has adopted sensible standards for vehicle emissions that are flexible for manufacturers, cost-effective for consumers, and help combat greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate change. Delaying the implementation of New Mexico’s rule would be taking a step backwards while the rest of the country is moving forwards. Moreover, any effort to delay the rule should be pursued in the appropriate forum; CVNM’s understanding is that neither the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) nor the Governor’s office has received a formal petition for an executive delay.
Outcome: Both bills passed, but were VETOED by Governor Richardson.
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Oppose |
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2009 |
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HB 653 |
Environmental Board Greenhouse Gas Rules more
Summary: Joining many other states in tackling the climate crisis, HB653 directs the Environmental Improvement Board to adopt rules for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to establish a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program.
Outcome: Defeated in the House. The scored vote is on a procedural motion rejecting an unfavorable committee report; it was the only floor vote taken on the measure.
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Support |
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2009 |
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HB 732 |
Low Income Energy Utility Fund Distribution more
Summary: HB732 provides funding for home energy assistance and efficiency to help low income families in New Mexico manage rising energy costs. Implementing energy efficiency measures in a low-income home can save families up to 30% on their energy bills.
Outcome: Defeated in the Senate.
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Support |
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2009 |
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HB 824 |
Solid Waste Permit Fees more
Summary: HB824 would allow solid waste facilities to choose whether they prefer a 20-year permit or an “active life of the facility” permit, which could extend to 80 or 90 years. Allowing a facility to receive a lifetime permit with only modest agency reviews prevents the state from adequately monitoring or modifying permits to reflect compliance history, changes in the technical merits of the application, or community and public input.
Outcome: Defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2009 |
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SB 249 |
Westland Tax Increment Project Bonds more
Summary: SB249 authorizes a massive ($408 million) bond issue to provide infrastructure to a sprawl development on Albuquerque’s west mesa. The bond would be serviced by diverting gross receipts tax revenues that would otherwise accrue to the state. Not only are these types of “greenfield” Tax Increment for Development Districts (TIDDs) bad public policy from a land use and water planning perspective, but they also deprive the Legislative and Executive branches from any oversight or discretion over the diverted revenues for more than 25 years.
Outcome: Defeated in the House.
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Oppose |
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2009 |
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SB 249 (2) |
Westland Tax Increment Project Bonds more
Summary: In addition to the votes on SB249 (the bill itself), a second vote on SB249 in each chamber is included. In the Senate, the second vote is on a failed floor amendment offered by Sen. E. Griego that would have reduced the fiscal impacts of the measure – critically important at a time when state environmental agencies are facing severe budget cutbacks. The second vote in the House is on a failed procedural motion to reconsider the bill after the first vote failed.
Outcome:
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Oppose |
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2009 |
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SB 379 |
Off-Highway Vehicle Registration more
Summary: Recognizing the threats posed by irresponsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to private landowners and natural ecosystems, SB379 adds restrictions to the use of OHVs, adds penalty assessments for OHV violations, and makes the Department of Game & Fish responsible for the administration of the Act.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed into law.
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Support |
A |
2009 |
|
SB 540 |
Require Development Lease Notice & Bidding more
Summary: Along with its House companion (HB 606, sponsored by Rep. Steinborn), SB 540 is one of several bills that attempts to reform the policies and procedures of the State Land Of?ce to make them more objective and transparent. This measure requires the Land Commissioner to open up business leases of public land for real estate or development purposes to public notice and a competitive bidding process.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed.
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Support |
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2009 |
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HB 276 |
SunCal Tax Increment Project Bonds more
Summary: HB 276 authorizes a massive ($629 million) bond issue to provide infrastructure to a sprawl development on Albuquerque’s west mesa. The bond would be serviced by diverting gross receipts tax revenues that would otherwise accrue to the state to spend on healthcare or education. These types of ‘greenfield’ Tax Increment for Development Districts (TIDDs) are bad public policy – not only for land use and water planning, but also from a fiscal perspective. House members’ votes are scored on the bill itself; Senators’ votes are scored on a procedural motion that allowed HB 276 to be withdrawn from its final committee and moved immediately to the Senate floor.
Outcome: Defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2008 |
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HB 305 |
Utility Customer Load Management more
Summary: Efficiency is the most reliable, least expensive source of “new” energy. HB 305 amends the existing Efficient Use of Energy Act to establish mandatory energy efficiency targets of 5% by 2014 and 10% by 2020. Increased energy efficiency is a critical tool in the fight against global climate change.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed into law.
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Support |
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2008 |
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HJM 7 |
Study Coal Surtax more
Summary: Almost every year, the Legislature considers measures that would affect the existing surtax on coal – usually supporting the elimination of the surtax. HJM 7 holds that the surtax is inequitable and flawed – appearing to tacitly support its repeal. In fact, eliminating the coal surtax would constitute a de facto $6.9 million subsidy to a thriving resource extraction industry.
Outcome: HJM 7 passed the House, but was defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2008 |
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HJM 8 |
Change Waste Allowed in WIPP Site more
Summary: HJM 8 urges the US Department of Energy to authorize greater-than-class C (GTCC) radioactive waste disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). If DOE were to authorize WIPP to accept higher-level radioactive waste, it would change the fundamental purpose of WIPP from limited nuclear weapons waste to commercial nuclear waste dump – opening the door for WIPP to replace Yucca Mountain as the disposal site for commercial nuclear waste.
Outcome: HJM 8 passed the House, but was defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2008 |
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HJM 29 |
Enact Federal Public Lands & Education Act more
Summary: HJM 29 and SJM 21 support the enactment of the Federal Public Lands & Education Act in Congress. The Act is an anti-public lands bill urging the disposition of federally-owned land in the West. Although the stated intent is to help generate revenues for education, the sponsors and proponents of the federal legislation are strident opponents of public lands, not advocates on behalf of education.
Outcome: HJM 29 was defeated on the House floor, and SJM 21 was defeated in the Senate.
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Oppose |
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2008 |
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SB 487 |
Abandoned Uranium Mine Reclamation Fees more
Summary: SB 487 creates the "abandoned uranium mine reclamation fund" through a fee on new uranium mining. The bill inappropriately ties cleanup of old mining sites to production from new uranium mines and mills, which many residents of impacted communities oppose. The fees would generate woefully insufficient revenues to address the problem, which could run into the billions of dollars. SB 487 is opposed by a broad array of environmental justice, Native American and conservation organizations.
Outcome: Passed both chambers, but VETOED by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2008 |
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SJM 17 |
State Engineer Review of Water Exports more
Summary: SJM 17 recognizes the threat posed to the Estancia basin by proposed groundwater exports to other basins, and encourages the State Engineer to ensure that applications to export water from the Estancia basin are supported by proof of need and lack of alternatives.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed.
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Support |
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2008 |
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SJM 40 |
Study Off-Road Motorized Vehicle Use more
Summary: SJM 40 requests the appropriate state agencies to study and make recommendations for improved regulation of off-road vehicles in order to resolve user conflicts, prevent environmental damage and provide greater safety protections for users.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed.
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Support |
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2008 |
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HB 318 |
Power Plant Mercury Emission Controls more
Summary: HB318 authorizes the Environmental Improvement Board to require use of the best available technologies to control mercury emissions from power plants.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed into law.
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Support |
E |
2007 |
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HB 386 |
Oil and Gas Operation Emissions Standards more
Summary: HB386 would have allowed the state to set regulations for emissions from oil and gas operations that are at least as stringent as, or more stringent than, federal standards.
Outcome: HB386 passed the House (31-16), but died in the Senate.
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Support |
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2007 |
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HB 431 |
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting & Fee more
Summary: HB431 would have established a registry to report and track greenhouse gas emissions and reductions, and authorized user fees to fund the system.
Outcome: HB431 passed the House (37-27), but died in the Senate.
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Support |
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2007 |
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HB 433 |
Land, Wildlife & Clean Energy Act more
Summary: HB433 and its companion SB309 would have established a specialized board to administer funding for clean energy and land and wildlife conservation projects and the protection of working farms and ranches.
Outcome: HB433 passed the House (41-27), but died in the Senate. SB309 also died in the Senate.
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Support |
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2007 |
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HB 827 |
Surface Owners Protection Act more
Summary: HB827 provides property owners with some basic rights when oil and gas companies own the mineral rights below the surface of their land and helps protect landowners from irresponsible oil and gas operators.
Outcome: Passed both chambers signed into law.
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Support |
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2007 |
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HB 859 |
Cesspool Elimination Assistance Act more
Summary: HB859 would have helped address the water contamination threats posed by cesspools by establishing a program that provides assistance in cleaning up cesspools and replacing them with onsite liquid waste disposal.
Outcome: HB859 died in the House.
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Support |
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2007 |
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SB 220 |
Eliminate Coal Surtax more
Summary: SB220 would eliminate the surtax on coal, which would provide a de facto $6.9 million subsidy to a thriving resource extraction industry. CVNM opposes this legislation.
Outcome: Passed both chambers, but pocket-vetoed by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2007 |
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SB 418 |
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards more
Summary: SB418 increases the existing renewable energy standard so that utilities must include 15% renewables in their portfolio by 2015, and 20% by 2020.
Outcome: SB418 passed the Senate (32-0), passed the House (43-18), and was signed into law .
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Support |
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2007 |
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SB 489 |
Require Biodiesel in Motor Vehicle Fuel more
Summary: SB489 promote alternative vehicle fuels by requiring at least a 5% biodiesel component in diesel fuel by 2012.
Outcome: Passed both chambers and signed into law.
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Support |
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2007 |
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SB 693 |
State Engineer Permits for Subdivisions more
Summary: SB693 would have strengthened state engineer evaluation of water availability for new subdivisions by reducing the assessment threshold from subdivisions of 20 parcels or more to subdivisions of 5 parcels or more, while also making the state engineer recommendations binding on county commissions.
Outcome: SB693 passed the Senate (33-1), but failed on the House floor (21-35).
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Support |
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2007 |
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SB 800 |
Campaign Reporting Requirements more
Summary: SB800 limits campaign contributions and requires reporting for independent expenditures.
Outcome: Defeated in the Senate on a vote to concur with House amendments. House members' votes are scored on the bill itself; Senators' votes are scored on the motion to concur with the House amendments.
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Support |
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2007 |
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SB 845 |
Above Ground Storage Tank Definition more
Summary: SB845 would exempt tanks used by crop-dusting and crop-spraying services from regulations under the Hazardous Waste Act that apply to above ground storage tanks.
Outcome: Passed both chambers, but pocket-vetoed by the Governor.
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Oppose |
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2007 |
