Environment (Waste Management)

SB 257 requires New Mexico's Department of Environment to prioritize the disposal of hazardous waste generated within the state when issuing, renewing, or modifying hazardous waste permits. This applies specifically to disposal facilities seeking permits under the state's Hazardous Waste Act. The bill amends permit regulations to mandate that the department consider a permittee's capacity to accept and prioritize state-generated waste during these permit decisions. It does not change existing waste standards or fees but modifies how permit approvals are evaluated.

HB 319 imposes a surcharge on solid waste disposal in New Mexico, with revenue directed to the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Fund. The fund will provide grants for eligible initiatives like food recovery, composting, and organic waste reduction programs, which the bill explicitly clarifies are covered under the Recycling, Circular Economy and Illegal Dumping Act. The bill amends tax law to classify the surcharge as a tax and ensures revenue distribution to the fund. This surcharge applies to solid waste disposal, affecting waste management entities and businesses that generate solid waste.

SB 168 provides $150,000 in state funding to the Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority for planning and designing a dedicated facility to recycle wind turbine blades. The bill directly affects the Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority, which will use the funds in fiscal year 2027 to collaborate on site development. This is a procedural funding measure focused solely on the planning phase, not on building or operating the recycling site. The appropriation expires if unspent by the end of fiscal year 2027, with any remaining funds reverting to the general fund.

SB 47, the "Food Recovery and Composting Act," creates a state program within New Mexico's Department of Environment to advance food recovery and composting. It establishes a Food Recovery and Composting Advisory Group with diverse representation (including tribes, municipalities, and industry) to guide grant funding and programming. The bill imposes a $3-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (reduced to $2/ton for facilities with on-site composting) to fund a dedicated "Food Recovery and Composting Fund," which will support grants for eligible entities like counties, tribes, and composting facilities starting January 2027. These grants will finance initiatives such as pilot programs, education, and infrastructure for reducing organic waste and expanding composting.

SB 46 appropriates $130,000 from the general fund to New Mexico's Department of Environment for fiscal year 2027. The bill directs the department to study opportunities for diverting organic waste (like food scraps and yard trimmings) from landfills and to conduct a waste characterization study assessing current waste types and quantities statewide. The department must report findings to the environmental legislative committee by June 30, 2027, with any unused funds reverting to the general fund. This bill focuses solely on researching potential waste diversion benefits, not implementing new waste management rules.