HB 164

This bill directs the New Mexico Department of Environment to lead and coordinate statewide efforts to clean up and reclaim former uranium mine and mill sites, working in conjunction with multiple state agencies and departments. The legislation requires the department to develop a strategic plan with cleanup timelines and funding requirements, establish consultation mechanisms with federal, tribal, and local stakeholders, and maintain a centralized database of uranium sites and their cleanup status. To implement these responsibilities, the bill mandates the creation of uranium mine reclamation coordinator positions in both the Department of Environment and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, while also promoting uranium reclamation as a targeted economic development industry with associated workforce training and business development programs.