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SB 66

ABANDONED URANIUM MINE CLEANUP

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angel Charley and 4 co-sponsors

SB 66 establishes New Mexico's framework for remediating abandoned uranium mines through assessment, cleanup protocols, and funding mechanisms to address contamination and public health risks.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 66

Legislative bill overview

SB 66 establishes a framework for identifying, assessing, and cleaning up abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico, likely including funding mechanisms and responsibility assignments for remediation efforts. The bill addresses environmental contamination and public health risks associated with legacy uranium mining operations left unremediated across the state.

Why is this important

New Mexico has extensive historical uranium mining activity, particularly from Cold War-era production, leaving hundreds of abandoned mines that pose environmental hazards including radioactive contamination, water pollution, and health risks to nearby communities. Cleanup of these sites requires significant investment and coordination between state and federal agencies, making legislative action critical for establishing clear processes and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount – Whether cleanup costs fall primarily on state taxpayers, federal government, private companies, or a shared model, and whether proposed funding is adequate for the scope of contamination
  • Liability assignment – Historical questions about responsibility when original mining operators no longer exist or lack resources, and how state liability is limited or protected
  • Timeline and prioritization – Which sites get cleaned first and whether aggressive timelines are realistic given technical and budgetary constraints versus local community urgency
  • Tribal sovereignty and consultation – How Native American tribes affected by uranium legacy sites are involved in decision-making, given significant reservations in uranium-affected regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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