NM TECH SEISMOLOGY EQUIPMENT

HB 48 allocates $2 million from the state general fund to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) for seismology equipment and expanding earthquake monitoring capabilities. The funding supports the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at NM Tech, working with the Oil Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The bill requires all funds to be spent by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any unspent money reverting to the general fund. This directly affects NM Tech's geoscience operations and state agencies responsible for monitoring seismic activity and oil industry compliance. The measure focuses on upgrading physical equipment and network infrastructure for earthquake detection.