3 days ago
New Mexico governor establishes taskforce to mitigate drought and wildfire risks
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico is currently experiencing some of the worst droughtconditions ever recorded, which could result in the loss of up to 25% of the available water supply over the next 50 years. 'In a water-short state like New Mexico, every drop counts,' said Tanya Trujillo, State Engineer and Water Policy Advocate.
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The State of New Mexico is declaring a state of emergency, due to the on going drought the state is facing. 'We've had diminished snowfall in our mountains over the past winter, which will mean we'll have lower levels of water in our rivers and lakes and water to serve our community this year,' continued Trujillo.
According to the National Drought Monitor, 84% of the state is experiencing drought conditions, with no improvement in sight.
Trujillo told KRQE News 13 that the order passed by Governor Lujan Grisham recognizes the urgent need to take action to conserve water and mitigate fire threats, 'This year we've seen some of the lowest snowpack levels in recorded history. And that translates to some of the lowest levels in our rivers and streams. And so we're really emphasizing the need to take action now.'
According to the order, the drought task force will work on three main tasks: spreading information across the state to help conservative water, provide recommendations for municipalities to lower the fire threat, and provide funding where needed. 'We need to be thinking about creative ways of using that existing water, developing new water sources, and really working together to emphasize what we need to do going forward,' emphasized Trujillo.
The task force has until July 31 to recommend those short-term measures. To read the order, click this link. For a current list of statewide fire restrictions, click this link.
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