New Mexico Still Committed to Protecting Clean Water

Thousands Show Their Support for the Governor's Initiative

SANTA FE, N.M. - In celebration of Earth Day, WildEarth Guardians thanked New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for his continued prioritization of environmental issues, especially the protection of 5,300 miles of the most pristine rivers and streams in the Land of Enchantment.

On April 22, 2008, Governor Richardson pledged to protect New Mexico's cleanest waters. On the one-year anniversary of the announcement, concerned citizens and elected officials, led by WildEarth Guardians, demonstrated their continuing support for the Governor's intent to secure protection for the state’s most precious water resources under the Clean Water Act.

“Governor Richardson is a conservation champion in the West and on this Earth Day we honor his commitment to clean water,” said Bryan Bird, of WildEarth Guardians. “Calling on the state to give added protection to one of its most valuable assets is a bold and historic move for New Mexico and its citizens.”

In its 2009 session, the New Mexico Legislature passed a misguided memorial calling on Governor Richardson to end his effort to protect the state's headwaters. The concerned citizens who participated in today's support rally did so on behalf of over 5,000 diverse individuals as well as businesses and organizations representing more than one million New Mexicans encouraging the Governor to carry on his campaign to protect the state’s water - for generations to come.

“I commend Governor Richardson’s leadership in protecting the state’s most precious water resources,” stated State Senator Peter Wirth (D-District 25). “The Outstanding Waters title would give the state added jurisdiction over its own water quality.”

Environment Secretary Ron Curry, Santa Fe Senator Peter Wirth and other honored guests spoke in support of water protection and, along with constituents, enjoyed a New Mexico-shaped cake that highlighted the waters that would be protected.

Attendees gathered in front of a 30-foot banner showcasing supporters for the Outstanding Waters initiative including: petition signatures, handwritten letters, digital thank you notes and citizen-submitted photos of wild places and water worth protecting.

From acequia farmers to metropolitan water users to sportsmen and fisherman everyone in the state of New Mexico relies on the pristine and abundant waters that flow from high-mountain forests. These headwaters found in roadless and wilderness areas across New Mexico are in largely unspoiled condition with less than 10% of these waters considered impaired by the state. The “Outstanding” designation will ensure that number does not grow and could assure that polluted streams are cleaned up and restored to their pristine condition with state funds.

The headwaters under consideration flow generally from forests that cloak our peaks and capture, store, filter, and slowly release clean water. These are the cleanest waters and quite possibly the greatest asset of all New Mexicans and generations more to come. The Governor’s “Outstanding” designation would give the state additional authority over the quality of its water, asserting its rights to clean water.


 

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