Science is my guiding light

Dear Friend,

In New Mexico, we know that water is life. Particularly in an era of prolonged droughts and climate disruption, we must do all we can to responsibly provide clean water supplies and protect our limited water resources in every corner of our state. If we are going to do that, we must use the best available science as our guiding light.

Earlier this month, I visited some of our state's leading water scientists at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, located on the campus of New Mexico Tech in Socorro. Hydrogeologists at the Bureau are mapping our state's aquifers and monitoring the groundwater we all rely on.

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich meets with Senior Geochronologist Matt Heizler at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, October 1, 2019.

During my visit, I met with State Geologist Dr. Nelia Dunbar, Hydrogeology Program Manager Stacy Timmons, and Deputy Director and Associate Director for the Mapping Program Dr. J. Michael Timmons. We discussed their latest research findings, which include new details on the complex workings of the aquifer below the Plains of San Agustin. For years, I have stood with local community leaders in western New Mexico who are fighting against a speculative proposal to pump and transport billions of gallons of water far away from Catron and Socorro Counties.

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich examines 3D aquifer maps with State Geologist Dr. Nelia Dunbar (left) and Field Geologist Colin Cikoski (right), October 1, 2019.

I also visited the Bureau's Photogrammetry Lab, where a team of geologists and New Mexico Tech students is using modern tools like ArcGIS and traditional field mapping to create 3D maps of our state's aquifers and basins. As we try to better understand how the climate crisis will affect New Mexico, accurate data and detailed maps of all of our groundwater resources is essential to ensure our water administrators make wise long-term decisions about how to best use and conserve our limited freshwater supplies.

You can count on me to always advocate for scientifically sound and smart investments in New Mexico's water infrastructure. I hope you can stay in touch with me about this and other issues important to you and your community.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH

United States Senator