Bill > HB54

This bill amends existing law regarding water replacement wells, specifically allowing owners of water rights to drill a replacement well within one hundred feet of the original well without the standard application, publication, and hearing process, provided certain conditions are met, including drilling into the same water source, maintaining the same water appropriation amount, and facing an emergency situation that would cause significant economic loss. Crucially, applications for these closely located replacement wells will no longer be subject to protest, though an aggrieved applicant can still request a hearing if they disagree with the state engineer's decision. This change aims to streamline the process for replacing wells in urgent situations, while still offering a legal recourse for those who believe they are harmed.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=54&year=26