The NMED is actively trying to shut down the extractive and other industries in our state. And they are attempting to do this with absolutely no oversight by YOU, an elected official who should be overseeing their work as part of your legislative duties. NMED indicated they intend to raise $8 to $17 million through a 500% increase to permit fees. This would push their overall working budget to $30 million/year which is double the current $13 million annual budget that the legislature provided for them. They plan to use this money to hire an additional 103 to 110 staff members which would double their current staffing. The legislature, of which you are an integral part, has not redefined the mission of this department or set new requirements for it to accomplish. Instead, we see a department of appointees going rogue on redefining what it will do, how it will do it, and creating the cash flow on the backs of New Mexicans who will be impacted by these increased costs to business. While the NMED is starting with increased taxes against the extractive industries, there is nothing to stop them from going after other industries in the same way. No explanation has been forthcoming as to the purpose of the increased staffing and budget. Nor has there been an adequate explanation of how the new staff and budget will be utilities. This is especially perplexing at a time when the state has enjoyed two years of budgetary surplus from the very industry the NMED is poised to attack. All of this without YOUR input or oversight as a legislator is absolutely wrong. Those are two of the very reasons you were elected to serve in the state legislature. I respectfully request that you engage and stop this unprecedented government expansion that is usurping your duties as a legislator. Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

Dear Legislator, The NMED is currently pursuing significant changes that could greatly impact businesses in our state. Without your oversight and guidance as an elected official, this agency is pushing forward with sizeable fee increases and plans to expand its budget and staff without clear explanations or justifications. It is concerning that these decisions are being made without the involvement of the legislature, which plays a crucial role in setting the direction and priorities of government agencies. Without proper oversight, there is a risk that these changes could have far-reaching consequences for various industries beyond just the extractive sector. I urge you to intervene! Your input and oversight as a legislator are vital in safeguarding the interests of the people, like me, you represent. Please take action to stop this unprecedented government expansion that is happening without adequate transparency. Thank you for considering this matter.

It has come to my attention that the NM Environment Board is planning significant fee increases that could have profound impacts on businesses and industries within our state. They are proposing a substantial increase in permit fees, which would result in a significant boost to their annual budget and a doubling of their current staffing levels. The NMED indicated they intend to raise $8 to $17 million through a 500% increase to permit fees. This would push their overall working budget to $30 million/year which is double the current $13 million annual budget that the legislature provided for them. They plan to use this money to hire an additional 103 to 110 staff members which would double their current staffing. While the NMED is starting with increased taxes against the extractive industries, there is nothing to stop them from going after other industries in the same way. All of this without YOUR input or oversight as a legislator is absolutely wrong. Those are two of the very reasons you were elected to serve in the state legislature. I respectfully request that you engage and stop this unprecedented government expansion that is usurping your duties as a legislator. Thank you for your attention to this matter.