Panel gives due pass to $15M request to remove hazard trees after Mora‑San Miguel fires

The Senate Conservation Committee unanimously gave a due pass recommendation to Senate Bill 469, a sponsor appropriation request seeking $15 million to remove hazard trees and support electric system recovery in fire‑scarred areas served by Mora San Miguel Electric Cooperative.

Sponsor Senator Campos told the committee the work targets roughly 178 miles of right‑of‑way and an estimated 125,000–160,000 standing dead or damaged trees left by the burn scar. "This is a life‑safety issue," said Les Montoya, general manager of Mora San Miguel Electric, explaining crews have experienced trees falling onto recently rebuilt lines and that contractors are already mobilized to remove hazardous trees.

Witnesses described the financial strain on the small cooperative and the project's relationship to FEMA and other federal reimbursements. Montoya said the co‑op borrowed about $6.7 million to begin distribution reconstructions after the fire and has completed approximately 75% of that rebuild; he said FEMA has obligated roughly $14 million for line rebuild work but that authorization for hazard‑tree reimbursement is delayed. The $15 million appropriation in the bill is structured as a construction fund to pay contractors immediately so work can proceed while FEMA completes its obligation review and reimbursement process.

Technical and industry witnesses told the committee the scale of dead and decaying wood limits local commercial use. "The scope and scale of this project ... the number of dead trees and the decaying of these trees very rapidly makes that utilization limited, and it's actually going to be a disposal problem," said a representative of the New Mexico Forest Industry Association.

Committee members asked whether the removal will follow environmental best practices to reduce erosion and further flood risk after wildfire. Engineering and forestry witnesses said removals will coordinate with state and federal agencies, follow environmental laws and employ best management practices to stabilize soils and protect endangered species where applicable.

Senator Scott asked whether the state would be repaid if FEMA ultimately covers the project; sponsor testimony described the appropriation as a construction fund that would be reimbursed under FEMA policies after proper procurement and validation. Witnesses said the appropriation would reduce the need for additional borrowing that would otherwise be borne by the co‑op's ratepayers.

The committee heard support from Mora San Miguel Electric, the New Mexico Rural Electric Association and local residents. Interim NMREA CEO Vince Martinez said electric co‑ops are member‑owned not‑for‑profits that serve much of the state's land mass and some of the state's poorest customers, and that grid resiliency investments are crucial to prevent future outages and liability for utilities.

On a roll call after committee questions, the committee recorded a unanimous due‑pass recommendation for Senate Bill 469 and signaled possible further legislative coordination on federal funding and special session timing.

The appropriation will advance to the next committee for consideration; witnesses and the sponsor emphasized that timely removal is necessary to prevent continued outages, property damage and future wildfire risk.