CVNM News:

SANTA FE — Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) released its Conservation Scorecard for the 57th legislature, outlining key policies from the 2025 and 2026 sessions.

The Scorecard is an informative tool for New Mexicans to see how their legislators voted on critical conservation, climate, and democracy issues. CVNM released its first Scorecard in 2005 and has tracked votes and policy outcomes every year since. Unique to this legislative cycle, state lawmakers were charged with responding to the onslaught of federal attacks on revenue, public lands, environmental protections, climate policy, democracy, and civil rights. 

“The past two years have demonstrated the clear and overwhelming significance of strong state leadership,” stated Molly Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at CVNM. “The Trump Administration continues to wage war on our most fundamental rights, from clean air to access to the ballot box. In the absence of strong federal protections, states have had to step up to fill the gaps. New Mexico has taken up the mantle by dedicating dollars to address revenue shortfalls, fund critical programs, and ensure that our state agencies can keep our air, land, water, and communities safe. This is no small feat, and we applaud state leaders for meeting the moment with conviction.” 

The 2025-2026 Conservation Scorecard features several examples of historic policy progress in response to federal action. In 2026, the legislature passed HB 9 Immigrant Safety Act, to help address toxic pollution and human rights violations occurring at immigration detention centers by preventing the state from entering into agreements with ICE. It also halts the use of public lands for immigration detention. Bill passage follows nearly a decade of hard work by local community advocates and leaders in partnership with the legislature. 

“Over the last two years, detention centers have been fast tracked & developed at an alarming rate in partnership with private corporations,” stated Arturo Castillo, CVNM Director of Equity and Culture. “As a result, these facilities use dirty generators and poorly maintained plumbing that leaches toxins into the air and water, causing significant damages to the health of communities near them. This has also resulted in surrounding communities losing access to water, with conditions that are unsafe for those being detained and have resulted in serious illness. We applaud the legislature for bold action calling for the closure of these facilities.”

New Mexico was also the first state in the nation to prevent election interference or intimidation by military or immigration agents at polling locations through the passage of SB 264 – Election Rights and Troops at Elections. Voters will also vote on legislative salaries this November thanks to the passage of HJR 5 Legislative Compensation, CA, creating more equitable pathways to run for office.

“As efforts to undermine voting and elections are perpetuated at the national level, New Mexico continues to show that we are a national leader that upholds the tenets of our democracy,” CVNM Political Director John Martinez said. “We are proud of the state leaders who continue to fight for our democracy and voting rights by championing legislation like SB 264 and HJR 5.”

In 2025, the legislature passed SB 48 Community Benefit Fund, creating dedicated funding for climate projects in communities that bear the brunt of the climate crisis. Since its adoption, numerous communities across the state have successfully applied for resources for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid modernization projects. 

“As families grapple with higher prices, renewable energy and energy efficiency are cost-saving solutions that should be accessible to everyone,” stated Rach Arrey, CVNM Climate and Energy Advocate. “The Community Benefit Fund made one of the largest investments in cost-saving solutions to date, helping families and businesses leverage the strategies they deserve to save money on their utility bills.” 

Federal rollbacks of vital water protections have left New Mexico’s scarce and precious waters vulnerable to pollution. Thankfully, in 2025, the legislature successfully passed SB 21 Pollutant Discharge Elimination Act and SB 37 Strategic Water Reserve, to create a surface water permitting program and support healthy river flow. The legislature also modernized the Department of Game and Fish (SB 5 Game Commission Reform), changing its name to the Department of Wildlife. Its newly revised mission and focus will also include wildlife protection and conservation. 

“As New Mexicans, we know that water is life,” CVNM Legislative Director Zoe Barker said. “Water gives life to our economy, our communities, and our culture. We applaud legislators for ensuring that we have the protections our waters need to be safe to drink and resilient for our people. We are also proud to have now a Department of Wildlife that more accurately reflects the incredible conservation and ecosystem work it does to ensure that wildlife and habitats are protected.” 

CVNM defines a Conservation Champion as a legislator who earns 90% or above on the annual Conservation Scorecard. Conservation Champions will also receive an honorary lapel pin celebrating the outcome of passed legislation and commemorating their leadership during the 57th legislative cycle.

2025-2026 Conservation Champions: 

New Mexico House of Representatives

• Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (HD-69) – 100% 2025-2026 Score 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Marianna Anaya (HD-18) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Janelle Anyanonu (HD-19) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (HD-33) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 95% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Kathleen Cates (HD-44) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Christine Chandler (HD-43) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Eleanor Chávez (HD-26) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Meredith Dixon (HD-20) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 90% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Joanne Ferrary (HD-37) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Doreen Y. Gallegos (HD-52) – 94% 2025-2026 Score, 88% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Miguel P. García (HD-14) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 97% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Joy Garratt (HD-29) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 99% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Anita Gonzales (HD-70) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Yanira Gurrola (HD-16) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Joseph Franklin Hernandez (HD-4) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Pamelya Herndon (HD-28) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Susan Herrera (HD-41) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 97% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (HD-15) -100% 2025-2026 Score, 96% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Raymundo Lara (HD-34) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 89% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Charlotte Little (HD-68) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Tara Lujan (HD-48) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Speaker Javier Martínez (HD-11) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Matthew McQueen (HD-50) – 100% 2025-2025 Score, 97% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Kristina Ortez (HD-42) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Cristina Parajón (HD-25) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Andrea Romero (HD-46) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. G. Andrés Romero (HD-10) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (HD-13) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 97% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Angelica Rubio (HD-35) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Debra Sariñana (HD-21) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 99% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Linda Serrato (HD-45) – 94% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Sarah Silva (HD-53) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Nathan Small (HD-36) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 97% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Reena Szczepanski (HD-47) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (HD-24) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 99% Lifetime Score
• Rep. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (HD-30) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score

New Mexico Senate

• Sen.  Heather Berghmans (SD-15) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Pete Campos (SD-8) – 90% 2025-2026 Score, 81% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Angel Charley (SD-30) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Katy Duhigg (SD-10) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 96% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Natalie Figueroa (SD-18) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Carrie Hamblen (SD-38) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Leo Jaramillo (SD-5) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 96% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Linda López (SD-11) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 88% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Cindy Nava (SD-9) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Micaelita Debbie O’Malley (SD-13) – 95% 2025-2026 Score, 95% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Michael Padilla (SD-14) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 91% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Harold Pope (SD-23) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (SD-16) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 99% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  William Soules (SD-37) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 95% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics (SD-39) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Jeff Steinborn (SD-36) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (SD-17) – 95% 2025-2026 Score, 98% Lifetime Score
• Sen.  Linda Trujillo (SD-24) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 100% Lifetime Score
• Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth (SD-25) – 100% 2025-2026 Score, 99% Lifetime Score