The Water Information Program

Governor Bill Richardson marked Earth Day by moving to protect all surface waters within national forest wilderness and inventoried roadless areas in New Mexico - amounting to more than 5,300 miles of headwaters streams that flow from mountain forests. Designation of these waters as Outstanding National Resource Waters under the Federal Clean Water Act will ensure these headwater streams remain pristine and protected far into the future, the governor said. "This initiative will provide the highest level of water quality protection possible for more than 5,000 miles of beautiful rivers and streams," Governor Richardson said. "This ensures that these pristine waters - including world-class trout fishing areas and vital drinking water supplies - will remain clean for the next generation to enjoy." The designations also will help counter efforts by the Bush administration to weaken protections in inventoried roadless areas, said the governor, a Democrat who served as secretary of energy in the Clinton administration. 

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