New Mexico Statutes Chapter 69. Mines § 69-25B-2. Purpose

The purpose of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act is to provide a means whereby New Mexico may develop and implement a state program pursuant to Title 4 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977,  1 as amended, and thereby to enable New Mexico to receive federal assistance to promote the reclamation of mined areas left without adequate reclamation that continue, in their unreclaimed condition, to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, prevent or damage the beneficial use of land or water resources or endanger the health or safety of the public.