Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s bid to create a new source of water for her state — tapping into wastewater generated from oil and gas drilling, along with saltwater aquifers — faces an uncertain future after state lawmakers derailed the proposal.
The $500 million plan, dubbed the “Strategic Water Supply,” aims to turn unpotable water supplies into a source for hydrogen production and manufacturing alike, while alleviating pressure on water that could then go to municipal and agricultural users.
But faced with questions about the proposal’s viability and impact on other water sources, New Mexico lawmakers declined to approve initial funding, making its viability uncertain as the state Legislature ended its annual session last week.
Still, the governor indicated she hasn’t given up hope yet.
