45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002
REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT AN INTERIM COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE STATE'S WATER DILEMMAS AND RECOMMEND LEGISLATION FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FORTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, New Mexico has enjoyed two decades of unusually wet weather, and many leaders and citizens either appear to have forgotten or have never experienced the problems that inevitable droughts will bring; and
WHEREAS, the state's water supply is fully appropriated, and the office of the state engineer is strained beyond its fiscal resources to effectively process the pending caseload of water permit applications and water rights adjudication procedures in various federal and state courts; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico's water is the subject of extensive litigation, some of which threatens the state's jurisdiction over water policy; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico is subject to United States supreme court decrees over compliance with interstate compacts, and extensive investments in the state's water resources have not yet achieved permanent compliance; and
WHEREAS, New Mexicans could be in peril of losing their livelihoods and ways of life as a result of potential priority calls; and
WHEREAS, Native American water rights have not been fully asserted or quantified, creating doubts that existing water users will continue to enjoy their present water uses; and
WHEREAS, maintaining water quality and adequate water supplies will require significant investments; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico's economy, way of life, environment and culture depend on predictable water supplies and the sound management of water resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint an interim committee to comprehensively study the state's water dilemmas and recommend legislation to improve water policy and water management; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico legislative council.