New Mexico Environment Department (Q17108012)

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is a state government agency responsible for "protecting and restoring the environment of the state of New Mexico to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations," according to its mission statement. This organization believes that New Mexicans must have fair treatment and meaningful opportunities for involvement in the development, implementation and enforcement in several laws. These include but are not limited to environmental laws and regulations regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, religious or political affiliation, income or educational level. This department is also commitment to equity in the communities they serve guided by the non-discrimination and environmental justice programs. It was established in the Department of the Environment Act (40th Legislature), enacted July 1, 1991, and is a cabinet-level department to oversee the state's environmental laws. Before its creation, these environmental duties were shared by the New Mexico Health Department’s Environmental Protection Division and other government agencies. The department has around 650 employees, and covers such areas as environmental health and protection, air quality, occupational health and safety, radiation control, water management and petroleum storage tank management. New Mexico is committed to the protection of public health.