New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed the Prescribed Burning Act into law March 18. The legislation clarifies liabilities for private landowners who use prescribed fire, and creates a certification program for safe fires. The Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department said the certification program would make it easier and more affordable for landowners to get insurance.
“The Prescribed Burning Act is an important proactive action for our state to ensure our forests and watersheds provide clean water and other benefits for future generations—while recognizing and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
