New Mexico Delegation Introduces Water Conservation Legislation to Safeguard Water Resources for Future Generations

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.),Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), introduced the Western Water Security Act of 2019, legislation to improve water management in the West through investments in water infrastructure, a focus on conservation, efficiency, and environmental restoration, and tailored funding for local communities. The forward-looking legislation will arm communities with the federal funding and research necessary to grapple with the potential of a long-term drying trend in the West and changes in water availability exacerbated by climate change.

"Make no mistake about it: we are in the midst of a water crisis in the West. Communities in New Mexico and across the country depend on fragile water ecosystems that are struggling to adapt to the wild swings in weather caused by climate change," said Udall. "In New Mexico and in the West, we are trying to cash checks from an account that is overdrawn, by relying on diminishing snowpacks and over-allocated surface water supplies and drawing on precious and dwindling groundwater resources. It is past time that Congress address this problem, which is hitting our most vulnerable communities the hardest, to ensure that future generations can sustain life in the American West. In New Mexico, we know how vital water is to preserving our economy, our environment, and our way of life. I will continue to fight for legislation like the Western Water Security Act to ensure we are making smart investments in water infrastructure and meeting the needs of our changing climate."

"In New Mexico, we know that water is life. Particularly in an era of prolonged droughts and climate disruption, we must use the best available science to protect and conserve our limited freshwater supplies. I'm proud to support this legislation to make smart investments in watershed restoration, scientific research, and infrastructure that will help our communities use water more efficiently," said Heinrich.

"Water is life, and few places have felt the impact of its scarcity like New Mexico. The future of our state and the rest of the West depends on communities and industries' ability to adapt in the face of a dwindling water supply. Smart investments in water management will ensure that our way of life, economy, and environment are preserved for generations to come," said Torres Small.

"In New Mexico, water is life. This precious resource fuels our traditional way of life and economy. We know the climate crisis is threatening the West - perpetuating a drought that puts these vital resources at risk. I'm proud to work with my colleagues to put forward a bold solution to improve water management by ensuring investments in water infrastructure, a focus on conservation, and targeted funding for rural communities," said Luján.

"Water is essential to life, but in the desert we're constantly struggling to ensure we have the water resources to sustain our communities. Our delegation is working to address the water shortages that result from a changing climate. Our bill will empower local communities including Pueblos along the Rio Grande, conserve water resources, and prepare for a future of climate change," said Haaland.