Update: HB 259 Support the private right to enforce environmental statutes

In regards to HB 259, not only is it sponsored by Representative Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House, but it has the support of the NM Attorney General Gary King, Please help support the bill. See the Earthworks Action Alert:

EARTHWORKS action alert (for web version, click here>>>>)

Support the private right to enforce environmental statutes

UPDATE: Bill passes Consumer & Public Affairs Committe (thanks for your calls!)
On to the House Judiciary Committee!

Call New Mexico state legislators now
(see legislator list at bottom of alert)

WHAT:

House Bill 259

Sponsored by: Representative Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House

Is scheduled to be heard in House Judiciary Committee

WHEN:

TBA: we expect either Friday or Saturday

1:30 pm

Room 309

State Capitol Building - Santa Fe, New Mexico

SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS:

Urge legislators to vote YES on House Bill 259 (the Private Right Action Act)

HB 259 allows affected landowners to file suit to enforce environmental laws, or to spur government action, when the government fails to take action against a violation of the law.

Based on New Mexico's experience with similar laws - the Surface Mining Act (passed in 1979) and the Mining Act (1993) - HB 259 won't result in frivolous lawsuits. Only two suits have ever been filed under these laws and neither suit resulted in judgment against the State.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

House Bill 259 - bill language: http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/10%20Regular/bills/house/HB0259.pdf

HB 259 - Fiscal Impact Report:
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/10%20Regular/firs/HB0259.pdf

LEGISLATORS TO CALL

House Judiciary Commitee Members:
Please contact these legislators today! For a full list of committee members:
http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/committeedisplay.aspx?CommitteeCode=HJC

IF YOU ONLY HAVE TIME TO MAKE A FEW CALLS:

Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4254
Email: eliseoalcon@msn.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots,

Representative Elias Barela
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4235
Email: elias@barelalaw.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots,

Representative Joseph Cervantes
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4249
Email: cervanteslaw@zianet.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam

Representative Mimi Stewart
Capitol Phone: (505) 986-4840
Email: mstewart@osogrande.com