WASHINGTON, Jan 25, 2006 -- U.S. Newswire

 

New Mexico would, for the first time, have a permanent fund for land conservation and renewable energy under legislation announced today at a press conference in Santa Fe by Sen. Michael Sanchez (D-Belen) and Rep. Ken Martinez (D-Grants). The Land, Wildlife, and Clean Energy Act (HB 188) is supported by Gov. Bill Richardson and a diverse coalition of interests including hunters, anglers, conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, land trusts, and renewable energy groups.

The bill would devote a portion of the existing Oil and Gas Conservation Tax to conservation initiatives. The revenue, approximately $10 million this year, could fund:

-- Protection of family farms and ranches.

-- Renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts;

-- Management and protection of areas for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation, wildlife, forests and watersheds.

"Our revenue situation has never been stronger and we have an opportunity now to leave a real legacy to future generations," said Governor Bill Richardson who encouraged this kind of fund in his 2006 State of the State speech. "This funding will support land, wildlife and clean energy projects that will provide jobs, opportunity and a healthy landscape. I appreciate the support of hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, farmers and ranchers, and communities all over the state for this very important initiative."

"Our quality of life and our billion-dollar tourist economy depend on access for hunting and fishing, clean water, clean air, and the protection of farms and ranches," said Edward Archuleta, lead spokesperson for the coalition. "It makes good economic sense to protect the places and qualities that make New Mexico the land of enchantment."

The lack of a dedicated state funding source is estimated to cost New Mexico $20 million annually in federal and private funding that could otherwise be leveraged for open space, hunting and fishing, outdoor trails and recreation, farm and ranch preservation, and wildlife habitat conservation. HB 188 would allow New Mexico's communities to apply for matching federal funds.

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Animal Protection Voters -- Audubon NM -- Coalition for Clean and Affordable Energy -- Conservation Voters NM -- NM Wildlife Federation -- Natural Resources Defense Council -- Nature Conservancy -- NM Land Conservancy -- Sierra Club, Rio Grande Chapter -- The Wilderness Society -- Trust for Public Land -- Taos Land Trust -- World Wildlife Fund

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