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SANTA FE – A broad and diverse group of wildlife interest groups sent a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham urging her to sign House Bill 184 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) and Sen. Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte), is touted by supporters as a fix for New Mexico’s troubled Game Commission.

House Bill 184 would better define Game Commission positions, ensuring that a wildlife scientist, a hunter or angler, a non-game species conservationist, and an agricultural representative all have seats on the Commission. Currently there is a seat reserved for agriculture. Additionally, the bill would insulate the Commission from political whims by protecting commissioners from being fired without cause. Finally, the bill transfers four appointments from the Governor to a bi-partisan legislative committee.

“The Commission has been struggling to function and meet the needs of the New Mexico public for many years,” said Chris Smith, southwest wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “These problems didn’t begin under Governor Lujan Grisham, but she could help end them. It would be a real testament to her conservation legacy in New Mexico if she signs this bill.”

“New Mexico is falling behind in wildlife management compared to other states,” said Bryan Bird, Director, southwest program director for Defenders of Wildlife. “Signing this bill would demonstrate Governor Lujan Grisham is committed to the state’s beloved wildlife.”

“Compared to a hundred years ago when the law establishing the State Game Commission was written, interest in wildlife has vastly expanded beyond hunting and fishing,” said Mary Katherine Ray, wildlife chair for the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. “In signing this bill, Governor Lujan Grisham would bring wildlife governance into the current century creating a Game Commission that is more diverse, more informed, and more fair.”

“This bill represents an important opportunity for New Mexico to lead in the realm of modernizing wildlife management,” said Michael Dax, Western program director for Wildlands Network. “Ensuring that qualified candidates representing a diverse array of constituencies is key to ensuring science and the interests of all New Mexicans are guiding wildlife management.”