New Mexico

Environmental protection

Agencies concerned with the environment include the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), the Environmental Improvement Board, the Water Quality Control Commission, and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. As the state's leading environmental agency, the NMED's mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate New Mexico's environment for present and future generations. The Department is comprised of four divisions, 14 bureaus, four districts, and 17 field offices. Each entity is responsible for different areas and functions of environmental protection (or administrative support) concerning air, water, and land resources. Under the authority of state/federal laws and regulations, the NMED fulfills its mission through the judicious application of statewide regulatory, technical assistance, planning, enforcement, educational, and related functions in the service of its citizens. In 2003, New Mexico had 120 hazardous waste sites listed in the Environmental Protection Agency's database, 11 of which were on the National Priorities List. In 1996, it had 482,000 acres (0.6%) of wetlands. In 2001, New Mexico received $39,453,000 in federal grants from the Environmental Protection Agency; EPA expenditures for procurement contracts in New Mexico that year amounted to $1,486,000.