Governor declares drought emergency, orders state agencies to coordinate water, fire response

Executive order activates task force as fire risk climbs and reservoir levels sink

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a statewide drought emergency, directing more than a dozen state agencies to respond to worsening water shortages and wildfire threats.

The executive order, issued May 22, triggers a coordinated response through the New Mexico Drought Task Force, which met Wednesday under the leadership of State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson. The move comes amid below-average rainfall, historically low reservoir levels and increasing fire danger across nearly every corner of the state.

“Despite some spring precipitation, almost all of New Mexico remains in conditions that threaten water supplies and elevate fire danger,” Lujan Grisham said. “The State Forester has enacted fire restrictions for high-risk areas, but we can’t stop there. This executive order ensures that we act decisively to conserve water and lessen our exposure to wildfire risk.”

The order charges the task force with three immediate priorities:

• Distribute resources to help communities conserve water and protect critical supplies
• Recommend specific short-term drought and fire mitigation actions by July 31
• Compile emergency and other funding sources to support individuals, Tribes and local governments

The governor is also urging counties, municipalities and local governments to implement water use restrictions, fireworks bans and other legal fire prevention measures.

“New Mexico’s river basins have seen below average precipitation this year, and our reservoir levels are among the lowest on record,” said Anderson, who chairs the task force. “These conditions clearly justify emergency action. I commend the governor’s leadership in calling for a coordinated response.”

State Forester Laura McCarthy said the continuing drought keeps wildfire threats high. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen some of the worst wildfires in our state’s history,” she said. “This executive order is a critical call to action for all New Mexicans to conserve water and reduce fire risks wherever possible.”

The Drought Task Force includes representatives from 11 state agencies, including Agriculture, Economic Development, Energy, Environment, Homeland Security, and the Indian Affairs Department.

The full executive order is available here. Current fire restrictions are listed here.