Participation on Boards and Commissions

Interstate Stream Commission

Stacy Timmons, appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham in 2019, serves as one of 9 members of the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC). The ISC is authorized by statute to investigate and develop the water supplies of the state, including both interstate and intrastate stream systems. The Commission’s authority also includes negotiating with other states to settle interstate stream controversies. 

New Mexico Geospatial Advisory Committee

The New Mexico Geospatial Advisory Committee (GAC), exists to guide and enhance the use of geospatial technologies in state government. GAC is a standing committee of the New Mexico Department of Information Technology (DoIT) Office of Broadband and Geospatial Initiatives whose mission is to provide a forum for state, local, federal, and professional entities to advise the DoIT Cabinet Secretary and Chief Information Officer on the:

1. Coordination of geospatial technology and data acquisition within New Mexico state government
2. Development of policy recommendations and guidelines concerning geospatial technology in New Mexico state government
3. Sharing of geospatial technology and data resources among all government agencies and the public

Mike Timmons and Phil Miller are Bureau of Geology representatives.

New Mexico Geographic Information Council

The Bureau of Geology has been a primary supporter of the New Mexico Geographic Information Council (NMGIC), which is concerned with all aspects of geographic data in the state. The organization has several goals. The first goal is to promote cooperation among state, federal, local, and private-sector users and generators of geographic information. The second and third goals are to create a comprehensive approach to implementing and maintaining geographic-information systems for the state and to help coordinate programs, policies, standards, and resources to maximize opportunities and to minimize duplication of effort. The fourth goal is to make recommendations to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names regarding place names in New Mexico. The fifth goal is to provide recommendations to state, federal, and local agencies on data needs, priorities, and standards. The sixth goal is to make recommendations to the Governor concerning geographic information in New Mexico. Phil Miller is an NMGIC board member and the Bureau of Geology representative.

New Mexico Mining Commission

The New Mexico Mining Commission (NMMC) was established by the State Legislature in 1993 to adopt regulations necessary to implement the New Mexico Mining Act and to oversee their implementation. The Mining Act is a hard-rock reclamation act. The Director of the Mining and Minerals Division (M&MD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD) is charged with carrying out the Mining Act regulations. The Mining Commission acts as a board for any affected party to appeal decisions of the Director of the Mining and Minerals Division. The Director of the Bureau of Geology, represented by Virginia McLemore, is one of the seven voting members of the Mining Commission.

New Mexico Coal Surface Mining Commission

The New Mexico Coal Surface Mining Commission (NMCSMC) was established by the State Legislature in 1972 to administer the Coal Surface Mining Act. The Commission adopts regulations concerning coal surface-mining and the surface effects of underground coal mining, including regulations for the productive reclamation of affected areas. It also acts as the board for any affected party to appeal decisions of the Director of the Mining and Minerals Division (M&MD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD). The M&MD Director is charged with carrying out the NMCSMC regulations. Gretchen K. Hoffman is the Bureau of Geology's representative on the Commission.

New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission

The New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (NMWQCC) was created in 1967 by the State Legislature. The Commission is the official state water-pollution-control agency and may take all necessary action required by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Federal Clean Waters Restoration Act, and the State Water Quality Act. The Commission oversees the certification of water-utilities operators and the construction-loan program for community sewage systems. New Mexico was one of the first states to develop a comprehensive and workable set of regulations to protect ground water. These regulations have been used by other states as a model for preparing their regulations. The Director of the Bureau of Geology, represented by Stacy Timmons, is our designee on the Commission.

Western States Seismic Policy Council

The purpose of the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC) is to promote understanding of earthquake hazards, preparedness, and cooperation between states in response to large earthquakes. Annual programs include updates on the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program, compacts between states to send aid, details of major earthquakes that occurred during the year, federal-funding outlook, primary research in earthquake-prone areas, earthquake codes, and member state's earthquake or emergency-preparedness programs. The manager for our New Mexico Seismological Observatory is the Bureau of Geology representative on the WSSPC. That position is currently unfilled.