House committee gives do‑pass to memorial urging expanded forest restoration, wood‑product economy

The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee recommended a do‑pass for Senate Joint Memorial 1 on March 11, a memorial that urges state agencies and partners to pursue expanded forest restoration, vegetation management and development of wood‑product markets to reduce wildfire risk and support rural economic development.

Senator remarks introducing the memorial said the measure encourages collaboration among the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the State Forester and the Economic Development Department to scale up forest restoration work. Supporters said the memorial is nonbinding but would help coordinate workforce development and create markets for byproducts of thinning and restoration.

Carlos Lucero, representing Public Service Company in New Mexico (PNM), said vegetation management and thinning could help prevent wildfires while producing economic opportunities. “We really look at this as a positive,” he told the committee. Camila Romero of the New Mexico State Land Office said increased use of woody products could generate revenue for state trust beneficiaries and accelerate restoration on state trust lands. Jillian Joyce of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union said the memorial would protect watersheds that farmers and ranchers depend on and strengthen rural communities.

No opposition testimony was recorded during the committee’s consideration. Committee members took the memorial up for a brief discussion and then approved a do‑pass recommendation after Representative Garcia moved the motion and no member requested a roll‑call vote.

Why it matters

The memorial is advisory rather than statutory, but it signals legislative support for coordinated forest restoration and for exploring market opportunities for restoration products. Proponents said restoration work reduces wildfire risk, protects water supplies and can create local jobs in rural communities.