Rule allows pollution in New Mexico’s groundwater
SANTA FE, N.M.—The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a stunning and puzzling decision in its long-awaited review of the Copper Rule. The case could set precedent for how the State of New Mexico protects water at all industrial sites.
“We are very disappointed with the New Mexico Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the Martinez Administration’s rule to weaken New Mexico’s Water Quality Act” said Allyson Siwik, executive director of Silver City-based Gila Resources Information Project.
“The Supreme Court has effectively sanctioned the idea of groundwater sacrifice zones in the area of copper mines. In Grant County, we are 100% dependent upon our groundwater aquifer. Allowing Freeport-McMoRan to pollute rather than prevent groundwater ...
John Buchser is the former longtime Rio Grande Chapter chairman, and he remains out Water Team chair and has been a member of the Rio Grande Chapter for decades.
Question: What is your position in the Rio Grande Chapter?
John Buchser: Water issues chair
Q: How long have you been active in the chapter?
JB: About 30 years
Q: What is your favorite memory of environmental activism, protection or participation?
JB: The women’s march to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, Jan. 21, 2017. The biggest protest march I have ever participated in. Friends came from out of town to join. It gave me hope we could overcome what was likely to be a horrible four years of Republicans turning the clock backwards on environmental protections, and setting a horrible ...
