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Committee approves larger appropriation to start uranium reclamation revolving fund after amendment
Summary
Senators voted to advance an amended bill establishing a uranium mining reclamation revolving fund, amending the original $2 million appropriation to $75 million after debate over scope and likelihood of finance committee approval.
The Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee approved an amended version of Senate Bill 276 that increases the initial appropriation for a uranium mining reclamation revolving fund and sends the measure to the next committee.
Sponsor Senator Pinto said the bill creates a revolving fund to finance reclamation of abandoned uranium mines and related sites and initially proposed a $2 million appropriation. During committee debate Pinto offered an amendment to replace $2,000,000 with $100,000,000; after discussion the sponsor and members negotiated a compromise to fund the revolving loan at $75,000,000.
Proponents said the larger amount would allow the state to begin substantive cleanup work rather than limited stabilization. "Being in the industry, dollars $2,000,000 might get you a silt fence around the property," said one supporter during testimony. Susan Gordon of the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment described progress already made by newly authorized environmental staff and a uranium dashboard, and argued additional funds would advance remediation and local workforce training.
Several senators cautioned that an especially large dollar figure could affect the bill's chances in the Senate Finance Committee. "I am concerned. $2,000,000 might get through finance. $100,000,000 is not gonna get through finance," one senator said; the sponsor and a colleague proposed a compromise of $75,000,000 to balance ambition and political feasibility.
Industry representatives who testified supported the fund and said language in the revolving fund prevents money from being used for agency operational costs. The New Mexico Environment Department staff previously established positions and pilot projects aimed at uranium cleanup; the financing would expand that work.
The committee voted to pass the bill as amended; the measure will carry the larger appropriation forward for consideration by Senate Finance and other committees. Lawmakers and advocates said follow-up work will be needed to define project selection criteria, contracting authorities and reporting requirements for the new fund.
