Legislation would (have) trampled rights of citizens and local governments
On Tuesday, March 10, House Bill 564 (HB 564) passed the House of Representatives on a narrow vote (35-29) that was not strictly along party lines. The legislation, a “Right To Harm” bill driven by NM mega-dairy operations, seeks to strip the ability of municipalities and counties to pass ordinances to abate or even address environmental and quality-of-life violations from farming operations. Additionally, the bill limits the damages that can be awarded to citizens suffering from pollution from factory farm operations.
This legislation has huge implications for farm animals, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and harm when the public loses its ability to legally challenge Big Ag’s practices. As House Minority Floor Leader Rep. Brian Egolf made clear during debate, this legislation “removes a whole class of damages that courts have recognized for centuries” and “creates temptation among unscrupulous operators to commit nuisances.”
We need your help in fighting back and stopping this bill.
Now, the bill heads to Senate Conservation Committee on Saturday and if it survives, Senate Judiciary Committee. Please immediately contact your Senator if he or she serves on the Conservation or Judiciary and ask them to oppose HB564. To find your Senator, click here or call 505-967-5297. Our fact sheet with talking points can be downloaded here.
Senate Conservation Committee
| Senator | Role | Phone | |
| Peter Wirth | Chair | (505) 986-4861 | peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov |
| Benny Shendo, Jr. | Vice Chair | (505) 883-2564 | benny.shendo@nmlegis.gov |
| Joseph Cervantes | Member | (505) 986-4385 | Joseph@cervanteslawnm.com |
| Phil A. Griego | Member | (505) 469-9470 | senatorgriego@yahoo.com |
| Richard C. Martinez | Member | (505) 986-4487 | richard.martinez@nmlegis.gov |
| William H. Payne | Member | (505) 986-4703 | william.payne@nmlegis.gov |
| William E. Sharer | Member | (505) 436-0535 | bill@williamsharer.com |
| William P. Soules | Member | (505) 986-4380 | bill.soules@nmlegis.gov |
| Pat Woods | Chair | (505) 986-4393 | pat.woods@nmlegis.gov |
| John C. Ryan | Member | (505) 986-4373 | john.ryan@nmlegis.gov |
| Senator | Role | Phone | |
| Richard C. Martinez | Chair | (505) 986-4487 | richard.martinez@nmlegis.gov |
| Joseph Cervantes | Vice Chair | (505) 986-4385 | Joseph@cervanteslawnm.com |
| Ron Griggs | Member | (505) 986-4276 | ron.griggs@nmlegis.gov |
| Linda M. Lopez | Member | (505) 986-4737 | linda.lopez@nmlegis.gov |
| Cisco McSorley | Member | (505) 986-4389 | cisco.mcsorley@nmlegis.gov |
| John C. Ryan | Member | (505) 986-4373 | john.ryan@nmlegis.gov |
| Michael S. Sanchez | Member | (505) 986-4727 | N/A |
| Lisa A. Torraco | Member | (505) 986-4266 | lisa.torraco@nmlegis.gov |
| Peter Wirth | Member | (505) 986-4861 | peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov |
| William Payne | Ranking Member | (505) 986-4703 | william.payne@nmlegis.gov |
For more on APV’s work in this legislative session see our legislation page and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on important animal issues in New Mexico.
