For over 30 years you’ve come to know NMPIRG as the group that gives New Mexicans a voice on a range of issues—from keeping our environment healthy to protecting consumer safeguards to strengthening our democracy. Where powerful special interests stand in the way of reform, you’ve come to count on NMPIRG to step into the fray.

We’ve contributed to a number of victories. As a result, New Mexico has cleaner air, we use more power from cleaner sources of energy such as solar and wind, fewer consumer rip-offs, and have taken steps toward balancing our water use with renewable supplies.

But, obviously, there is much more to be done. After careful thought and planning, we have concluded that the best way to advance all of our work—both for consumers and for the environment—is to separate our organization into two distinct groups.

Environment New Mexico is the new home of NMPIRG’s environmental work. Meanwhile, NMPIRG will continue to be a strong and independent voice for New Mexicans on major issues like predatory lending, identity theft, election reform, ethics and more. Environment New Mexico will continue to use the same creative, result-oriented approach to our state’s environmental problems that has made a difference over the past three decades.

Moreover, with a clear name and a single focus, I expect that Environment New Mexico will be able to win the support of more pro-environment New Mexicans, making our impact that much greater. And with New Mexico facing so many important environmental challenges—from diminishing water supplies to disappearing forests and increased air pollution—you and I both know our environment needs all the help it can get.

I’m excited to report on our new venture, and am grateful, as always, for the support you’ve given us to make it all possible.

Jeanne Bassett.
Executive Director,
Environment New Mexico