Dec 19, 2024 –
Environmental Public Health Legislation Slated for the 2025 Legislative Session
NMEPHN will be engaging in and supporting several pieces of legislation during the upcoming New Mexico legislative session — a NM Department of Health (DOH) budget request for a statewide Climate Public Health and Climate Program; an Extreme Weather Resilience Fund; and a School Bus Modernization Act.
Appropriation for Public Health and Climate Program and Extreme Weather Fund
A $1.1 million appropriation for the statewide Public Health and Climate Program, which is part of the NM DOH’s requested FY26 budget, would create a public health and climate program in DOH’s Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau to help communities plan for future environmental health challenges. The Extreme Weather Resilience Fund would provide needed resources to communities and tribes for important work such as creating local emergency preparedness plans, projects and activities, and climate adaptation plans related to public health.
This proposed legislation was previously part of one bill – the Public Health and Climate Resiliency Act. When we first advocated for this bill during the 2023 legislative session, we created tremendous momentum. The bill had 12 legislative sponsors, the support of more than 30 organizations, and more than 1,000 letters of support. Since then, we continue building support for this legislation with key state agencies, health councils, and public health and environmental non-profit organizations. Please let us know if your organization is interested in helping to advocate for this legislation.
School Bus Modernization Act
Transportation emissions are one of the largest contributors to climate greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) in New Mexico and the United States, contributing to global warming and climate change. Pollution emitted from transportation contributes to smog, poor air quality, as well as GGEs – impacting the health and welfare of us all. The American Public Health Association and others have linked air pollution to negative health outcomes, including asthma, respiratory illness, heart disease, poor birth outcomes, cancer, and premature death.
The School Bus Modernization Act, which aims to make electric school buses available and affordable for New Mexico’s school districts, will be introduced in the 2025 legislative session. There is $5 billion in federal funding available to schools nationwide to replace old, expensive diesel buses with electric buses. With additional funding from the state through the School Bus Modernization Act, and by permitting vehicle-to-grid (V2G) utility agreements, students, school employees, and all of us could soon be breathing cleaner air.
For more information on the legislation, visit https://www.nmvcaf.org/school-bus-modernization
New Mexico Receives Funding to Address Lead Pipe Water Quality Issues
The Biden-Harris Administration recently awarded New Mexico $25 million for improved drinking water infrastructure and issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold before communities may take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. The LCRI rule also improves education about the risks, locations, and mitigation strategies related to lead in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
New Mexico’s funding will flow through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. See https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-protects-communities-lead-drinking-water-announces-8 for more information.
The EPA also announced the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. See more information at: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/identifying-funding-sources-lead-service-line-replacement
State of New Mexico Finalizes Application Process for Clean Car Tax Credit
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is now accepting applications for the state’s Clean Car Tax Credit. The tax credit, enacted during the 2024 legislative session, offers an income tax credit of up to $3,000 to individuals or businesses who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or fuel cell vehicle. Credits are also available for previously owned vehicles. It also offers a credit of up to $25,000 for purchasing and installing a qualified vehicle charger for home or commercial use. Learn more at https://clean.energy.nm.gov/landing/clean-car/.
Season’s Greetings from the New Mexico Environmental Public Health Network!
As we reflect on this past year, we are deeply thankful for your support, dedication, and partnership in advancing environmental public health across New Mexico. Your commitment has been essential in addressing critical challenges and fostering healthier, more sustainable communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. With your partnership, we’ll address emerging challenges, foster innovation, and create meaningful change for the health and well-being of every New Mexican.
May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments with loved ones. Here’s to a bright and impactful new year!
Warm wishes,
The New Mexico Environmental Public Health Network Team
