On May 1, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced updates to its Enforcement Watch program, a website that lists all active and resolved environmental enforcement cases in the state. Among other changes, the database now features alleged violations of state regulations and permits.
Launched in January, the website is updated monthly and is a key part of assuring compliance with and enforcement of state-issued licenses and rules concerning hazardous waste, radiation, air quality, and ground, surface, and drinking water. According to NMED Cabinet Secretary Jim Kenney, Enforcement Watch not only holds organizations accountable, keeping them on the list until violations are corrected to the satisfaction of NMED, but also provides New Mexico constituents “with transparency of our enforcement efforts across the state to protect…health, safety, and our environment.”
In addition, the program provides tools for reporting non-compliance and levels the playing field, ensuring that organizations that act in accordance with environmental regulations are not put at an economic disadvantage compared to their noncompliant counterparts.
