Legislation has been introduced in the New Mexico State Legislature that will create funding for climate change programs across the state.
House Bill 42, sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Thomson, calls for the creation of a Public Health and Climate Resiliency Fund to support climate change efforts.
As envisioned, the fund would operate under the auspices of the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office and would pull some $5 million out of the state’s General Fund in the next fiscal year. That $5 million would then be disbursed between fiscal years 2024 and 2028 to local and tribal governments.
According to an analysis of the legislation put together by the Legislative Finance Committee it is noted that although the bill “does not specify future appropriations, establishing a new grant program could create an expectation the program will continue in future fiscal years, therefore this cost could become recurring.”
By Garry Boulard
