Luján Delivers on Key Priorities for New Mexico in Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation

Luján Votes to Bring Billions in Infrastructure Investments to New Mexico

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) secured key measures in the Senate-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to prevent drunk driving, clean up orphaned oil and gas wells and create new jobs, and invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, among other measures. The bipartisan legislation also includes historic investments in broadband, clean drinking water, public transit, and clean energy.     

“The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act marks a significant investment in New Mexico’s infrastructure – bringing new jobs and an economic boost to our state. This legislation will modernize our infrastructure, create new opportunities, and grow the economy. It also brings us one step closer to eliminating the digital divide and ensuring 100% connectivity across America,” said Luján.

“Throughout this process, I worked with my colleagues to deliver on key New Mexico priorities, including putting an end to drunk driving and cleaning up orphaned oil and gas wells to safeguard the environment and create jobs,” Luján continued. “Along with other measures to invest in infrastructure and boost small businesses, this legislation will make a difference in the lives of New Mexicans.”

A full breakdown of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is available HERE.

Senator Luján secured the following provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

To Improve Access to Affordable Internet

• Senator Luján fought to expand the Affordability Connectivity Benefit which will help more than 785,000 New Mexicans afford internet access.

To Keep New Mexico’s Roads and Highways Safe:

• Senators Luján and Scott (R-Fla.) secured the inclusion of their legislation to prevent drunk driving and help save thousands of lives each year. The legislation promotes the research and development of advanced drunk and impaired driving technology and requires auto manufacturers to implement this technology in new car models.

To Put New Mexicans Back to Work and Safeguard the Environment:

• With the support of the Western Governors Association, Senators Luján and Cramer (R-N.D.) advanced their Revive Economic Growth and Reclaim Orphaned Wells (REGROW) Act to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells, which can leak methane, contaminate groundwater, and create community safety risks. 

To Support Small Businesses:

• Senator Luján strengthened an amendment to make the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) permanent by expanding the eligibility of the Rural Business Development Center Program to include all Minority-Serving Institutions.

To Invest in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:

• Building off legislation introduced by Senators Luján, Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Sinema (Ariz.), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $3.5 billion for Indian Health Service (IHS) Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) water and wastewater projects.

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