The basic authority for environmental management and consumer protection in New Mexico is provided through the Environmental Improvement Act (NMSA 1978, §§ 74-1-1 to 74-1-17). This law establishes the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB, Board) and specifies its duties and powers. The Board is the state control agency for such areas as food protection, capacity development of water supply (§1420 of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act), solid waste, liquid waste, hazardous waste, air quality control, raditation control, and occupational health and safety among other things. To see a full list of the Board’s jurisdiction click here. The Board’s authority is codified in NMSA 1978, § 74-1-8.
For more information on the Safe Drinking Water Act see EPA’s website.
The duties and powers of the Board include the administration of loans and grants from the federal government that apply to programs and areas under the Board’s authority, the promulgation of regulations and standards for the 14 areas listed in NMSA 1978, § 74-1-8, granting variances and appeals from permitting actions pursuant to the Air Quality Control Act (see § 74-2-5 and §§ 74-2-7 to -8), and Uniform Licensing Act hearings in regards to the suspention or revocation of certificates issued under the Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act (see §61-14E-5).