House Memorial 60 (HM 60) requests New Mexico's Energy Conservation Division to form a study group to explore how buildings can become flexible grid assets through electrification. The study group, including utilities, contractors, consumer advocates, and low-income community representatives, will develop recommendations by November 2026 on programs that lower energy bills, reduce grid strain, and improve affordability. Key focus areas include financing for electric appliances, consumer protections, equitable access for underserved communities, and aligning building technologies with utility planning. The resulting recommendations could shape future energy programs affecting New Mexico residents and businesses using demand flexibility programs.
HB 271 appropriates $100 million from New Mexico's general fund to the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for public land projects between 2027 and 2029. The funds will directly support land purchases or interests to create, expand, or restore public lands, including up to $30 million in state matching funds for local governments that received federal disaster aid. Unspent funds by the end of 2029 must revert to the general fund. This bill provides concrete financial resources for conservation and land management, with specific allocation rules for both general public lands and disaster recovery efforts.
SB 195 appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration for fiscal year 2027. This funding contracts training and outreach services specifically for elected supervisors serving on soil and water conservation districts statewide. The bill directly affects local district officials by providing resources to enhance their capacity in conservation management. Any unspent funds at year-end revert to the general fund, ensuring the appropriation is limited to one fiscal year.
HB 80 increases funding for New Mexico's Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund by raising the tax distribution percentage from 2/19% to 50% starting July 2027, gradually increasing to 100% through 2037 before returning to 50% after 2037. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators (through higher tax contributions) and the state's energy department (which administers the fund). Key provisions include expanding fund use to cover energy education programs ($150,000 annually) and requiring the department to plug abandoned wells, restore sites, and pursue cost recovery from operators. Funds will be managed under the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department with annual reporting requirements.
HB 184 reorganizes New Mexico's conservation funding by transferring the entire balance of the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund into the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and establishing new investment and distribution rules. It requires the Conservation Legacy Fund to be invested under the prudent investor rule, sets annual distributions from the Conservation Legacy Fund to the Land of Enchantment Fund at 5% of its three-year average value, and specifies how funds from the Land of Enchantment Fund must be allocated. Specifically, 22.5% goes to the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department for forest/watershed projects, 22.5% to the University Board for agricultural programs, 10% to the Environment Department for water quality, 15% to Economic Development for outdoor recreation, 8% to Cultural Affairs, and 22% to Wildlife for conservation programs. Unspent funds from these allocations revert to the Conservation Legacy Fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish environmental rights for all New Mexicans, including the right to clean air, water, soil, and a healthy environment, as well as a stable climate and thriving ecosystems. It requires state, county, and municipal governments to act as trustees of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for everyone - including future generations - without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The amendment would take effect immediately upon voter approval (without needing additional laws) but prohibits monetary damages for violations. The proposal must be approved by New Mexico voters in the next general election.
HB 186 increases tax credits for landowners who donate property for conservation or preservation purposes. For donations made on or after July 1, 2026, it raises the credit to 80% of the land's fair market value (up from 50%), with a new $2 million annual cap (up from $250,000). The credit is refundable (meaning taxpayers receive cash if it exceeds their tax bill) and can be transferred in $10,000 increments to other taxpayers. This directly affects landowners donating conservation easements or similar permanent interests to eligible public or private conservation groups, such as those preserving farmland, historic sites, or natural habitats.
HB 108 allows watershed districts in New Mexico to request soil and water conservation districts to levy property taxes for district operations. Specifically, watershed districts can ask the local soil conservation district board to impose an annual tax (capped at $5 per $1,000 of property value) to fund administration, construction, and maintenance of watershed projects. This bill clarifies the appointment process for watershed district boards, ensuring representation from soil conservation districts that hold minority land within the watershed area. It directly affects watershed districts, soil conservation districts, and property owners within those districts who may be subject to the requested taxes. The key change is creating a formal mechanism for watershed districts to secure dedicated funding through local property tax levies.
SB 84 creates a two-year pilot program offering a one-credit high school course on water management and conservation, directly affecting participating schools and students in New Mexico. The Public Education Department will develop the curriculum with partners like higher education and tribal nations, select three schools (one from each of three specific county types), and report annually on program effectiveness. The bill appropriates $5 million for fiscal years 2027-2028 to cover curriculum development, teacher salaries, and operational costs, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund. The program aims to provide practical environmental education preparing students for water-related careers.
