Although many issues affect the health of our environment and communities, you will notice that only a handful are discussed here. They are the main issues addressed by the legislation included in this year’s Scorecard. As we add the votes and scores from past and future years, we will also add more information on other issues.
[ Photo: Bradley Lanphear / No Barriers.]
Air Quality
Air quality is a significant and growing concern in New Mexico. Experts link exposure to air pollutants to many adverse health effects, including exacerbation of asthma symptoms, diminished lung function, birth deformities, cardiovascular disease and childhood cancer. As many New Mexico families understand all too well, one of the most common health conditions caused or …
Read more about Air Quality »
Effective Government
Effective government (or “good government”) refers to the way in which elected officials exercise their political authority to serve their constituencies. Good governance, with respect to the environment, requires that decisions are made and implemented using legitimate (legal), transparent, participatory, responsive and equitable processes to achieve effective policies that protect New Mexico’s communities and natural resources. …
Read more about Effective Government »
Energy & Climate Change
Relying on oil, coal, and natural gas for the bulk of our energy needs is ultimately a losing proposition. Fossil fuels will peak and run out someday. In the meantime, they’re becoming increasingly less efficient and more environmentally harmful to extract. Burning them perpetuates so many problems (water, soil and air contamination, habitat destruction, oil …
Read more about Energy & Climate Change »
Environmental Justice
One of the greatest tragedies of “economic progress” is the wildly disproportionate burden of environmental hazards suffered by low-income communities, especially those of color. Certain communities suffer staggering health problems simply because they lack the power to fight back against polluting industries. Most Americans would immediately recognize this as unfair. Unfortunately, these communities also lack …
Read more about Environmental Justice »
Land
Acequias & Land Grants Acequias are community ditches or irrigation canals that are essential to northern New Mexican agricultural tradition and culture. Any proposed legislation that has the potential to positively or negatively impact acequia function or culture — usually pertaining to land use or water law – will be included in this issue category. …
Read more about Land »
Water
In the desert, more than most places, we are constantly reminded that without a clean, sustainable supply of water, we couldn’t survive. The challenge of meeting the growing demands for water with the same limited supply, and how we meet that challenge, is likely to define the future of our Land of Enchantment. Most New Mexican …
Read more about Water »
At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the Río Grande del Norte National Monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. Photo: Bob Wick, BLM
Wildlife & Habitat Conservation
The Land of Enchantment’s color palette is overflowing, from red rocks and vivid sunsets to rich green bosque and deep blue sky. We have it all: majestic mountains, lush valleys, stunning mesas and scenic desert landscapes. New Mexicans have a profound appreciation of the breathtaking beauty of our state and know that we are lucky to call it …
Read more about Wildlife & Habitat Conservation »
Mexican Gray Wolves
The Mexican Gray Wolf has nearly been eliminated in the wild (due to intensive U.S. government efforts to eradicate them) and are critically endangered, with only about 300 remaining in recovery facilities, zoo breeding programs, and reserves in the U.S. and Mexico. Photo: Chad Horwedel
Bills
Topics:
Air Quality
Effective
Government
Energy &
Climate Change
Environmental
Justice
Land
Water
Wildlife & Habitat
Conservation
| Priority | Bill # | Title | Sponsors | Topics | CVNM Position |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB 41 | Clean Transportation Fuel Standards more |
Kristina Ortez |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| HB 48/SB 24 | Oil and Gas Royalty Rate more |
Matthew McQueen |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| HB 133 | Oil and Gas Act Changes more |
Kristina Ortez |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| HB 182 | Election Changes more |
Gail Chasey |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| HJR 7 | Commission on Legislative Salaries, CA more |
Angelica Rubio |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| SB 5 | Firearms Near Polling Places more |
Peter Wirth |
|
Support | 2024 | |
| SB 95 | T or C Water Lines more |
Crystal R. Diamond |
|
Support | 2024 |
Know the Score > Take Action
Say ‘thanks’ … or, ‘no thanks’!
Tell your Legislators that you ‘know the score’
One of the best ways to influence the voting records of your elected officials is to communicate regularly with them. If your legislators scored well, it’s important to thank them and to support them. If you feel you weren’t well-represented by your legislators’ votes, it’s important to hold them accountable by letting them know what you think about their votes. The Scorecard is your key to staying informed on your legislators votes and getting in touch with them.
Communicate with the Governor and your Legislators
Whether you’re congratulating them on their score or expressing your disappointment, be direct, courteous and polite.
The most important part is letting them know that you are paying close attention to how they vote or, in the case of the Governor, what actions she takes on legislation that affects our air, land, and water.
Calling your legislator directly and sending letters through regular mail remain by far the most effective ways to communicate with your legislators.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor can always be contacted at the State Capitol. Except during the legislative session, state legislators should be contacted in their home districts, as listed on the current Legislators page.
To find your House District number and Representative, visit our map here.
To find your Senate District number and Senator, visit our map here.
Join the Conservation Voters Movement!
We take on tough fights to protect New Mexico, but these efforts in the State Capitol and around the state require financial resources. We can only win when we work together. Please join other New Mexicans in becoming a Conservation Voter today!
Join Conservation Voters New Mexico today
Donate