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Committee hears $50 million proposal to assess, clean up abandoned contaminated sites including uranium mines; bill tabled
Summary
House Bill 333 would appropriate $50 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Environment Department for assessing and cleaning up abandoned or neglected contaminated sites, including abandoned uranium sites.
House Bill 333 would appropriate $50 million from the general fund to the New Mexico Environment Department for assessing and cleaning up abandoned or neglected contaminated sites, including abandoned uranium sites, sponsors told the Appropriations & Finance committee.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Hernandez, described the measure as “the cleanup of contaminated sites” and said the funding would help address abandoned uranium mines in San Juan County and elsewhere. Representative Duncan and Representative Abeyta joined as cosponsors, and Deputy Secretary John Roderick appeared as an expert witness.
The bill drew support from industry and community witnesses. Adela Duran, who identified herself as representing uranium mining companies, said, “any portion of $50,000,000 toward the effort, will be appreciated.” Camilla Feibelman, appearing online, urged the committee to recognize the urgency of legacy contamination around the state, noting both former uranium mines and former mill sites and groundwater spills not on the Superfund list. Alicia Corris, identifying herself as from Pueblo Santo Domingo and a registered lobbyist for NMDA Vote, said most contaminated sites are on or near tribal lands and urged support for the appropriation.
Committee members voiced bipartisan support for beginning cleanup work. Representative Brown recalled earlier unsuccessful efforts to address mine cleanup and said she was glad the bill and funding exist now. Ranking Member Chatfield confirmed that the $50 million appropriation also appears in House Bill 2, the budget bill.
Because the item is a straight budget appropriation and the funding is included in the budget package, the chair asked for a motion to table the bill “to protect the money.” Ranking Member Chatfield moved to table; the motion was seconded and, with no recorded opposition, the committee tabled House Bill 333 for the present session.
The tabling preserves the appropriation within the larger budget process while removing the bill from immediate committee consideration.
Ending: The committee did not take a final passage vote on the bill; instead it tabled House Bill 333 so the appropriation remains protected in the budget framework.
