By Judy Sheahan
October 17, 2005

New Mexico Governor and former U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson addressed the Urban Water Council’s Annual Urban Water Summit in Albuquerque on September 30 by paying tribute to the contributions that mayors make to the nation.

“Things happen at the city and state level that are innovative,” Richardson said, “and we need more input from those levels when Congress is considering legislation. Mayors need to be part of the plan.”

Acknowledging that he was asked to speak on water issues, Richardson admitted that water is not considered a “sexy” issue, with Washington and the media neglecting the topic. However, he cautioned, water is the “lifeblood” for all communities.

Richardson focused on three water issues: planning, conservation and financing. “Mayors are the best situated to plan what is needed because they are accountable, closest to the people, and if they don’t resolve the issue, their city will be the first to suffer,” Richardson said.

Richardson commended the mayors and the Urban Water Council for considering public-private partnerships as a potential cost-effective solution to various issues facing communities. He spoke of New Mexico’s experience with a public-private partnership with CH2M Hill regarding the clean up a nuclear dump site. “The site was cleaned up on time and under budget. That is what a good public-private partnership can accomplish,” Richardson said.

Richardson spoke about the mayors national leadership role regarding another issue area – global climate change. “The mayors are taking the lead on the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Richardson said. “It would be nice if Congress and the federal government would follow your lead. However, I’m pleased to announce that New Mexico was the first state to sign onto the Chicago Climate Exchange.”

The United States Conference of Mayors passed a resolution in June encouraging cities to sign onto the Chicago Climate Exchange, which is a voluntary measure to reduce and trade greenhouse gas emissions.

New Mexico has also created an Innovation Fund, which, according to Richardson, is a “bucket of money” used to fund innovative ideas including water conservation ideas. “Innovative ideas should be encouraged and replicated,” Richardson said. “People need to look to the mayor for those types of ideas.”