To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in New Mexico in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the public safety secretary was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
Agencies supervising the state transportation system include the Department of Aviation, the Civil Air Patrol, the State Highway Commission, the Department of Motor Transportation, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Traffic Safety Commission.
Welfare services are provided through the Human Services Department. Related service agencies include the Office of Indian Affairs and Human Rights Commission. Health services are provided by the Department of Health and Environment. The various public protection agencies include the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization of the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Public Safety, the State Human Rights Commission, the Department of Corrections, and the New Mexico State Police. Education is regulated by the Department of Education.
The state's natural resources are protected by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the State Forest Conservation Commission, the Environment Department, the Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Water Quality Control Commission, and the State Park and Recreation Commission.