12-02-2025
Despite resistance, strategic water supply secures narrow committee approval
The so-called Strategic Water Supply, a proposal backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to treat brackish water and oil and gas byproducts for industrial uses, narrowly survived its first committee hearing despite pushback from both environmental advocates and oil and gas industry representatives.
In a 5-4 vote, the House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee on Tuesday advanced a committee substitute for the proposal, which would cost a total of nearly $108 million.
Even among lawmakers who voted for the bill, it was hardly popular. Three of the five lawmakers who cast "yes" votes noted they may not support a similar proposal on the House floor.
Rep. Kristina Ortez, D-Taos, the committee chair, said she wanted the bill to continue through the legislative process in hopes it will improve.
'I don't like it. I don't like this bill. I like some components of this bill, and I'd like for it to get better,' she said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
