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HB 9 |
Community Solar Act more
Summary: HB 9 provided for the establishment of a phased-in community solar program to facilitate the development and interconnection of community solar facilities. It also created a low-income assistance fund to benefit low-income subscribers. This would have stimulated the growth of the solar industry and expanded the number of New Mexicans who have access to solar energy.
Outcome: HB 9 passed out of committee but failed in the House 28-36.
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Support |
A |
2020 |
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HB 11 |
PRC Reorganization & Transfer Duties more
Summary: HB 11 would have turned existing Public Regulation Commission (PRC) advocacy staff into two entities: a Commissioner Resources Division to supplement PRC commissioners and hearing examiners in their understanding, and a separate Office of PRC Regulatory Affairs housed in New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department that would advocate in the public interest. The bill also included some staff restructuring to provide some continuity for existing PRC staff.
Outcome: HB 11 passed the House 36-34, but was tabled and died in the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee.
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Support |
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2020 |
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HB 173 |
Gas Taxes, New Funds & Distributions more
Summary: HB 173 imposed new gas and special fuel surtaxes that would have funded the new Clean Infrastructure Fund and a new Low-Income Rebate Fund. These funds would have resourced pro-conservation infrastructure improvements, and rebates to low-income taxpayers for their payment of gas and special fuel surtaxes.
Outcome: HB 173 was tabled and died in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2020 |
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HB 217 |
Electric Vehicle Income Tax Credit more
Summary: HB 217 established an income tax credit for the purchase of an electric vehicle, and capped the electric vehicle value at less than $48,000 MSRP. It also established an income tax credit for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. This bill could have encouraged the sale of affordable electric vehicles and encouraged the development of vehicle charging infrastructure.
Outcome: HB 217 passed the House 40-27 and passed the Senate 23-13. The House failed to concur with the Senate amendments due to filibuster and the bill died.
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Support |
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2020 |
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SB 29 |
Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 29 reinstates and extends the tax credit for residential and commercial construction of solar systems and establishes an aggregate cap. This incentivizes installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems and utilizing renewable resources to produce energy.
Outcome: SB 29 passed the Senate 33-6 and passed the House 51-19. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 3, 2020.
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Support |
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2020 |
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SB 75 |
Wildlife Trafficking Act more
Summary: SB 75 made trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction a misdemeanor and establishes penalties and enforcement guidance.
Outcome: SB 75 passed the Senate 22-9 and passed the House 42-22. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 9, 2020.
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Support |
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2020 |
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HB 28 |
Resource Sustainability and Security Act more
Summary: HB 28 would have created a sustainability and resilience council that would have developed a government wide plan to (a) ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of New Mexico and its infrastructure and resources; (b) prepare the state for climate change; (c) reduce the vulnerability of natural and built systems, economic sectors, natural resources and communities to risk; (d) promote long-term water and energy resource security; and (e) support state economic development and diversification. The council would have provided guidance to state agencies and worked with stakeholders in creating agency plans and accomplishing the goals of the plan.
Outcome: HB 28 passed the House 40-23 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died in the Senate Finance Committee.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 210 |
Community Solar Act more
Summary: HB 210 (and its companion SB 281) established rules for community solar facilities and specifically reserved a portion of shares for low-income customers. The bills would have allowed renters, low-income utility customers and persons without suitable locations for solar generation on their premises to participate in local solar generation facilities by allowing subscription in community solar generation. This would have stimulated the growth of the solar industry and expanded the number of New Mexicans who have access to solar energy.
Outcome: HB 210 passed the House 42-25 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died on the calendar of the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 281 died in the Senate Conservation Committee (never heard).
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 263 |
State Game Commission Changes more
Summary: HB 263 established requirements and qualifications for the members of the State Game Commission to lessen the politicization of the commission and established professional qualifications for four of the seven members.
Outcome: HB 263 passed the House 45-20 but was tabled and died in the Senate Rules Committee.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 289 |
Fund Investment in Renewable Energy more
Summary: HB 289 provided that no less than one percent of the market value of the severance tax permanent fund be invested in New Mexico renewable energy.
Outcome: HB 289 passed the House 43-19 and passed the Senate Conservation Committee, but died on the Senate Finance Committee calendar.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 291 |
Efficient Use of Energy Act Changes more
Summary: HB 291 establishes thresholds for energy efficiency programs which, at minimum, save 5% of energy costs to customers. The bill also provides for the removal of regulatory disincentives to energy efficiency programs.
Outcome: HB 291 passed the House 58-7 and passed the Senate 27-13. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 440 |
Solar Energy Improvement Assessments more
Summary: HB 440 provides that a customer may voluntarily request a solar energy improvement special assessment be applied to their property in order to access the benefits of solar technology. The bill provides that these assessments may be applied on residential or commercial property within the boundaries of an incorporated municipality in a county if the municipality adopts a resolution approving the application of the county’s ordinance.
Outcome: HB 440 passed the House 35-28 and passed the Senate 31-8. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 28, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 521 |
PRC Application for Vehicle Electricity more
Summary: HB 521 requires public utilities to file applications to expand transportation electrification, i.e., charging facilities for electric vehicles. HB 521 makes rules for the approval of these applications, including the facilities' ability to meet clean air standards and inclusion of low-income people and communities.
Outcome: HB 521 passed the House 45-17 and passed the Senate 22-12. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 76 |
Prohibit Coyote Killing Contests more
Summary: SB 76 prohibits organized or sponsored competitions with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.
Outcome: SB 76 passed the Senate 22-17 and passed the House 37-30. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 2, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 462 |
Create Outdoor Recreation Division more
Summary: SB 462 creates a division of outdoor recreation in the Economic Development Department. It establishes that the Outdoor Recreation Division will (1) increase outdoor recreation-based economic development, tourism and ecotourism; (2) work to expand outdoor recreation infrastructure; (3) assist in the promotion and marketing of outdoor recreation opportunities and events; (4) assist New Mexico residents in establishing outdoor recreation-based businesses and connecting them with economic development resources and opportunities; (5) recruit out-of-state based outdoor recreation businesses to locate in New Mexico; (6) promote stewardship and preservation of New Mexico's unique environment and cultural assets; (7) promote education and use of outdoor recreation assets to enhance public health; and (8) support outdoor recreation programs at New Mexico educational institutions. The bill also establishes the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee, the Special Projects and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund and the Outdoor Equity Grant Program and Fund.
Outcome: SB 462 passed the Senate 38-0 and passed the House 52-14. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 2, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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SB 489 |
Energy Transition Act more
Summary: SB 489 sets a statewide renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 for New Mexico investor-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives and a goal of 80% by 2040 that investor-owned utilities must meet, subject to cost and reliability considerations. In addition, the bill sets zero-carbon resources standards for investor-owned utilities by 2045 and rural electric cooperatives by 2050. The bill establishes a pathway for an energy transition in the Four Corners area while providing relief to workers in San Juan County affected by the closure of coal units. The bill provides for training for these workers and uses low-interest bonds to finance economic relief for communities dealing with closures and directs that replacement power, including renewables, be developed in San Juan County as a means of restoring the community’s tax base.
Outcome: SB 489 passed the Senate 32-9 and passed the House 43-22. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 22, 2019.
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Support |
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2019 |
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HB 98 |
Local Election Act more
Summary: HB 98 proposes scheduling changes to elections so that local elections occur at the same time as general elections. It also makes provisions for certain elections to be conducted by mail ballot and prohibits advisory-only questions on ballots. Having all elections scheduled together would most likely result in higher turnout for local elections, resulting in more accurate representation of voters’ support for conservation issues.
Outcome: HB 98 passed the House 51-10 and passed the Senate 25-15. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 7, 2018.
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Support |
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2018 |
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HB 127 |
NM Unit Fund Water Projects more
Summary: HB 127 would have made appropriations from the New Mexico Unit Fund to the Interstate Stream Commission for shovel-ready water projects in southwest New Mexico that were alternatives to a Gila River diversion, including: $12 million for bulk water supplies to Hurley, Bayard, Santa Clara and Silver City; $34 million for water supply projects in the southwest New Mexico regional water planning area; $3.5 million to contract for collection of new ground water and geologic data; and $500,000 to evaluate and plan alternatives for the city of Deming for a remote well field.
Outcome: HB 127 died in the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.
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Support |
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2018 |
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HB 161 |
Agriculture & Vegetable Seed Law Preemption more
Summary: HB 161 would have prohibited local governments from creating and enforcing ordinances affecting agricultural or vegetable seeds (state preemption). This would have removed local control of agricultural products and interfered with culturally significant agricultural practices.
Outcome: HB 161 died in the House State Government, Indian and Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
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Oppose |
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2018 |
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SB 79 |
Solar Market Development Tax Credit more
Summary: SB 79 would have allowed taxpayers to take up to a 10% tax credit for installing thermal or photovoltaic solar systems, for both residential and business installations. It established a $5 million aggregate cap for the amount of tax credits taken in a year, but did not separate out residential and business installations. It was simpler than HB 36, and would have accomplished the same goal of promoting the use of renewable energy.
Outcome: SB 79 passed the Senate 35-6 and passed the House 40-26. The bill was pocket vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2018 |
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SB 189 |
Assurance for Plugging Oil & Gas Wells more
Summary: SB 189 increases the cap of the amount of the surety bond a company must post for the plugging of an inactive oil or gas well from $50,000 to $250,000. This increased amount is more in line with the cost of plugging a well and remediating a plugged well that leaks, blows out or otherwise fails.
Outcome: SB 189 passed the Senate 40-0 and passed the House 54-11. The bill was signed by the Governor on February 28, 2018.
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Support |
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2018 |
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HB 61, HB 82 |
Extend Solar Market Tax Credit more
Summary: These bills would have reinstated and extended the tax credit for residential and commercial construction of solar systems. These bills provided for gradually phasing out of the tax credit over 8 years and established an aggregate cap. This 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: HB 61 died in the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee. HB 82 was combined with HB 61.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 73 |
Public Officials as Lobbyists more
Summary: HB 73 prohibited statewide elected officials, PRC members, former legislators and cabinet secretaries from accepting compensation as lobbyists for two years after public service.
Outcome: HB 73 died on the Senate floor calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 144, HB 154, HB 280 |
Industrial Hemp Research Rules more
Summary: These bills would have allowed the NM Department of Agriculture to issue licenses to permit growing industrial hemp for research and development purposes. Industrial hemp is a versatile, fast growing and drought resistant crop that requires little pesticides or herbicides and would serve to diversify New Mexico farmers' cash crops.
Outcome: HB 144, which was combined with HB 154 and HB 280, passed the House (42-26) and Senate (30-12) and was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 166 |
Exempt Hemp from Controlled Substances more
Summary: HB 166 would have exempted industrial hemp from the definition of "marijuana" in the Controlled Substances Act. This was an enabling bill for HB 154.
Outcome: HB 166 died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 254 |
Game Commission Legislative Appointments more
Summary: HB 254 would have revised the way members of the Game Commission are appointed. In doing so, it would have reduced the effect of politics on appointments and increased the role of science based decision making.
Outcome: HB 254 died in the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 292 |
No State Land for Border Wall more
Summary: This bill would have prohibited a border wall from being built on state land between New Mexico and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. A border wall would be detrimental to the migration of land-based wildlife in the border region. There are ESA listed species of concern that would be impacted, e.g., jaguars.
Outcome: HB 292 died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 338 |
Community Solar Gardens Act more
Summary: This bill would have allowed renters, low-income utility customers and persons without suitable locations for solar generation on their premises to participate in local solar generation facilities by allowing individuals to buy a portion of a community solar installation or "solar garden". This would have stimulated the adoption of solar energy generation by more New Mexicans by making it more accessible to more New Mexicans and reducing our dependence on coal and nuclear fueled energy.
Outcome: HB 338 failed to pass the House (31-34).
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 400 |
Recovery of Renewable Energy Costs more
Summary: HB 400 would have amended sections of the Renewable Energy Act to delete the reasonable cost threshold (RCT) as a method for determining recovery of costs for meeting renewable energy portfolios (RPS) standards. The RCT was conceived as an extra layer of security to protect consumers from price hikes associated with RPS implementation. It's unnecessary, outdated, over-complicated, and acts as a tool for utilities to avoid compliance with the RPS. removing this threshold would have made it easier for both the Public Regulation Commission and utilities to develop plans allowing them to comply with the RPS in the most economically reasonable manner.
Outcome: HB 400 died on the House calendar.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HB 489 |
Exclude Greenfield Areas from TIDD Act more
Summary: HB 489 would have disallowed the use of Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs) for development of undeveloped "greenfield" land – land in pristine condition that has not been developed. The use of TIDDs to finance sprawl type developments, which use additional water and remove native habitat, among other environmental impacts, should be curtailed.
Outcome: HB 489 died in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HJR 3 |
Independent Redistricting Commission, CA more
Summary: This resolution would have provided for the creation of an independent redistricting commission to develop redistricting plans for state and congressional offices, providing for a largely bipartisan commission. Reducing the impact of gerrymandering would improve the responsiveness of elected officials to their constituents, allowing them to more accurately represent conservation values.
Outcome: HJR 3 died in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Support |
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2017 |
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HJR 8 |
State Ethics Commission, CA more
Summary: HJR 8 will create an independent ethics commission authorized to investigate, issue opinions and adjudicate violations of laws governing standards of conduct of members of the legislative and executive branch, employees, contractors and lobbyists. A strong ethical oversight body will help to ensure that legislators are transparently representing the conservation values of their constituents.
Outcome: HJR 8 passed the House (66-0) and the Senate (30-9). The measure will now be decided by the voters in the next general election.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 6 |
Industrial Hemp Research Rules more
Summary: This bill would have allowed the NM Department of Agriculture to issue licenses to permit growing industrial hemp for research and development purposes. Industrial hemp is a versatile, fast growing and drought resistant crop that requires little pesticides or herbicides and would serve to diversify New Mexico farmers' cash crops.
Outcome: SB 6 passed the Senate (37-2) and House (58-8) and was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 81 |
Wildlife Trafficking Act more
Summary: SB 81 makes trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction a crime and establishes penalties. This will help preserve endangered species and also keep money out of the hands of international criminals.
Outcome: SB 81 passed the Senate (27-12) and the House (42-24). The bill was pocket vetoed (not signed by April 7, 2017) by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 86 |
Water Rights Notices Posted Online more
Summary: SB 86 requires the state engineer to post water rights applications on its website, encouraging more transparency in water rights assignments.
Outcome: SB 86 passed the Senate (40-0) and the House (59-0). The bill was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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SB 227 |
State Facility Renewable Energy Use more
Summary: SB 227 requires the General Services Department to adopt rules for and issue requests for proposals (RFP) to analyze and implement renewable energy improvements for state facilities.
Outcome: SB 227 passed the Senate (36-4) and the House (44-19). The bill was vetoed by the Governor.
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Support |
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2017 |
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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 |
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2014 |
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HB 343 |
Community Health Study Fund more
Summary: Pollution, like legacy waste sites from uranium mining, not only threatens scarce resources, but also poses severe risks to public health. However, there is no process in place to study the impacts that this environmental degradation has on the quality of community health over time. HB 343 began to address this problem by establishing a fund to conduct a baseline community health study of the Grants Mineral Belt.
Outcome: HB 343 was defeated on a tied vote in the House Health, Government, and Indian Affairs Committee.
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Support |
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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 292/SB 404 |
Transfer Of Public Land Act more
Summary: The U.S. Constitution provides for the federal government to manage, maintain and control federal public lands. HB 292 (and its companion SB 404) attempted to violate the constitution by usurping federal authority and transferring oversight of federal public lands to the state.
Outcome: HB 292 died in the House Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee. SB 404 died in the Senate Conservation Committee.
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Oppose |
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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 |
E |
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 |
E |
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 546 |
Amend Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards more
Summary: The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) spurs investment in renewable energy by requiring 20% of electricity to be produced from renewable energy sources by 2020, with incremental benchmarks along the way. HB546 would have slashed the RPS in half—hindering the diversification of New Mexico’s energy portfolio and stifling new job creation.
Outcome: HB546 died in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
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Oppose |
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2011 |
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HJR 3 |
Legislative Nullification of Rules more
Summary: HJR3 would have posed serious constitutional questions because it created a conflict among all three branches of government. By law, rules must be adopted in accordance with delegated legislative authority. If the executive steps beyond its authority, those actions should be challenged in court. HJR3 would have allowed the Legislature to usurp the authority of the other two branches of government, which is unconstitutional. Moreover, the Legislature doesn’t have time to give appropriate consideration to rules that have often involved days or weeks of testimony and thousands of pages of documentation.
Outcome: HJR3 died in House Judiciary 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 |
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2009 |
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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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HB 451 |
Greenfield Tax Increment Districts more
Summary: Tax Increment for Development Districts (TIDDs) are a new mechanism supposedly designed to help finance redevelopment in declining neighborhoods. However, most of the TIDDs proposed in New Mexico are for sprawl development on open space or undeveloped ‘greenfields’, as opposed to revitalization of existing developed areas. HB 451 improves oversight and transparency of sprawl development TIDDs, while limiting their negative fiscal impacts.
Outcome: Defeated in the House.
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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 |