EMNRD budget aims to strengthen wildfire protection

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Melanie Kenderdine, Cabinet Secretary

Ben Shelton, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Erin Taylor , Deputy Cabinet Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@state.nm.us

November 19, 2025

EMNRD budget aims to strengthen wildfire protection

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is requesting $49.3 million in general fund for fiscal year 2027, representing a 9.1% increase from the previous year.

“This budget reflects the growing need to protect New Mexico’s communities from the potential dangers of wildfires that are resulting from drought and warmer temperatures we are experiencing due to climate change,” said EMNRD Sec. Melanie Kenderdine .

The FY27 budget request focuses on the following priorities:

$50 million for Wildfire Prepared Program grants and contracts. This program, enacted in SB 33 , will provide funds to help local communities fortify neighborhoods to better withstand wildfires. $2 million to contract for an AI-enabled wildfire early detection camera network.

$800,000 to hire to staff for the Wildfire Prepared Program.

$200,000 to create a program to certify individuals who can determine that forest timber can be used as building material. This program, enacted as part of HB 553 , will complement forest-thinning wildfire prevention efforts.

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Email: sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

Phone: 505-629-2900