New Mexico budget includes funding for uranium mine cleanup, but its future is uncertain
New Mexico lawmakers have included $50 million in the state budget to clean up hundreds of contaminated sites, including abandoned uranium mines, but the funding faces potential cuts as the legislative session winds down.
Bella Davis reports for New Mexico In Depth.
In short:
- New Mexico has at least 302 contaminated "orphan sites" and around 50 abandoned uranium mines with no responsible party for cleanup.
- The $50 million proposed budget allocation would fund initial cleanup efforts, but some lawmakers argue more money is needed, including a separate $75 million proposal for uranium mine reclamation.
- Advocates warn that budget negotiations could reduce the funding, as the Senate looks for ways to address other financial gaps.
Key quote:
“If they’re having to come up with money to fill some holes, a $50 million pot of money sitting there, it could be attractive to some to say, ‘Hey, let’s make that number a little smaller and help fill a hole somewhere else.’”
— Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces
Why this matters:
New Mexico has a long history of uranium mining, with many abandoned sites still leaking radioactive and chemical contaminants into surrounding communities. Indigenous populations, particularly the Navajo Nation, have suffered health consequences for decades due to exposure from old mines. Cleanup efforts have been slow, with funding gaps leaving many sites untouched. While the proposed budget allocation is a step forward, advocates say it is not nearly enough to address the widespread contamination and ongoing risks to public health.
Read more: Uranium mining projects in New Mexico gain priority under new federal orders
