Committee approves $50 million measure to begin cleanup of abandoned uranium mines and other contaminated sites

Representative Joseph Hernandez introduced House Bill 333, an appropriations proposal intended to start remediation of abandoned uranium mines and other neglected contaminated sites across New Mexico. "This is an appropriations bill that will be used to ensure that the legacy of uranium in New Mexico gets cleaned up," Hernandez told the committee, adding that many families have experienced long-term health impacts.

John Roderick, deputy cabinet secretary at the Environment Department, told the committee the bill would appropriate $50,000,000 to the department for use on abandoned uranium mines and other neglected contaminated sites such as old dry cleaners, vehicle repair shops, metal plating shops and illegal disposal areas. Roderick said cost estimates vary: "a dry site can run anywhere from 3 to $5,000,000 to clean up. A wet site can run 8 to $12,000,000. ... The particular site we have identified first is identified as a wet mine, so we anticipate being in that $12,000,000 range."

Roderick also provided counts and priorities. He said there are "approximately 300 plus abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico" and that each mine can contain multiple distinct sites, producing "about a thousand sites" within those uranium locations. He said the state has identified more than 300 non-uranium neglected contaminated sites and roughly a thousand abandoned dry cleaner locations.

Committee discussion covered prioritization and timelines. Roderick said the department would prioritize sites based on proximity to populations and public-health risk and that remediation timeframes for groundwater contamination can span decades. "A dry cleanup ... you can knock that out in 1 to 3 years typically. When you're looking at groundwater contamination though, it can take 30, 40, 50 years ultimately," Roderick said.

Representative Montoya and several other committee members urged the bill prioritize uranium-mine cleanups. Montoya told the committee he would favor an amendment to dedicate at least half of the appropriation to uranium cleanup: "My concern ... is that there's not at least a percentage. I'd like to see at least 50% of this total $50,000 prioritizes uranium mines."

Committee members also asked about staffing and workforce development. Roderick said the department plans to use contractors for much of the construction work while adding up to five staff to oversee the program, and noted coordination with tribal partners and higher education for workforce-training opportunities. He said the department expects to start cleanup work on a prioritized mine site in early fiscal year 2026 and that it will report quarterly on progress.

Several environmental and community groups spoke in support of the measure, including the Western Environmental Law Center, Multicultural Alliance for Safe Environment, New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light and representatives of affected communities and tribes. Adela Duran, testifying for three uranium-mining companies, said the companies support cleanup work and can contribute expertise for remediation even if they did not operate in New Mexico historically.

Representative Abeyta moved for a do-pass recommendation; the committee recorded a roll call with all named members voting in the affirmative and the bill advanced. The department and sponsors said the $50 million is an initial tranche and that additional funding will be needed to address the full scope of sites statewide.