STATE OF NEW MEXICO

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

HECTOR H. BALDERAS
ATTORNEY GENERAL
TANIA MAESTAS

SHARON PINO

CARLA MARTINEZ

SONYA CARRASCO-TRUJILLO

Deputy of Civil Affairs

Deputy of Criminal Affairs

Chief of Staff for Operations

Chief of Staff for Policy and Public Affairs

May 18, 2016

Via Email
Gina McCarthy, Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
McCarthy.gina@Epa.gov
RE: Gold King Mine
As you are aware, the State of New Mexico and other parties were severely impacted by the Gold
King Mine release and continue to endure its effects. The New Mexico Environment Department
has been in communication with you to discuss independent monitoring and remedial measures
from this incident. I am writing to express my concern for the lack of progress on this matter.
As Attorney General, it is my duty to protect the citizens and environment of New Mexico. New
Mexico's agricultural landscape was severely damaged by the Gold King Mine release. As such, a
large population of citizens were robbed from the valuable lands that they depend
upon. Furthermore, tribal lands and waters were damaged by this catastrophe. Drinking water was
at issue, yet tribal members were given substandard alternatives. The release of hazardous
substances into the Animas River basin was highly publicized, and the extensive damage was well
documented. However, no long-term substantive efforts have been made to remedy the errors on
behalf of the State of Colorado and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The request for
independent monitoring to ensure individual safety has been disregarded and minimized by both
the State of Colorado and the EPA.
I am disappointed by the continued unwillingness to respond to the New Mexico Environment
Departments numerous attempts to resolve this matter diplomatically and outside of court. The
safe and peaceful livelihood of our citizens should override any political or scientific indifferences
that we face. Following this tragic incident, our greatest concern should be ensuring that the people
and the lands we live on are free from hazardous materials.

TELEPHONE: (505)827-6000 FAX: (505)827-5826 www.nmag.gov

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1508SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREETSANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

HECTOR H. BALDERAS
ATTORNEY GENERAL
With this in mind, I hope that you will strongly consider meeting the reasonable demands for
compensation and long term-monitoring of the damages to New Mexico. Your immediate action
is paramount to ensuring justice for New Mexico and avoiding further damage from this tragedy.
Sincerely,

Hector Balderas

TELEPHONE: (505)827-6000 FAX: (505)827-5826 www.nmag.gov

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1508SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREETSANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

HECTOR H. BALDERAS
ATTORNEY GENERAL
TANIA MAESTAS

SHARON PINO

CARLA MARTINEZ

SONYA CARRASCO-TRUJILLO

Deputy of Civil Affairs

Deputy of Criminal Affairs

Chief of Staff for Operations

Chief of Staff for Policy and Public Affairs

May 18, 2016

Via Email
The Honorable Cynthia Coffman
Office of the Colorado Attorney General
1300 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
RE: Gold King Mine
Dear Attorney General Coffman:
As you are aware, the State of New Mexico and other parties were severely impacted by the Gold
King Mine release and continue to endure its effects. The New Mexico Environment Department
has been in communication with the State of Colorado to discuss independent monitoring and
remedial measures from this incident. I am writing to express my concern for the lack of progress
on this matter.
As Attorney General, it is my duty to protect the citizens and environment of New Mexico. New
Mexico's agricultural landscape was severely damaged by the Gold King Mine release. As such, a
large population of citizens were robbed from the valuable lands that they so completely depend
on. Furthermore, tribal lands and waters were damaged by this catastrophe. Drinking water was at
issue, yet tribal members were given substandard alternatives. The release of hazardous substances
into the Animas River basin was highly publicized, and the extensive damage was well
documented. However, no long-term substantive efforts have been made to remedy the errors on
behalf of the State of Colorado and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The request for
independent monitoring to ensure individual safety has been disregarded and minimized by both
the State of Colorado and the EPA.
I am disappointed by the continued unwillingness to respond to the New Mexico Environment
Departments numerous attempts to resolve this matter diplomatically and outside of court. The
safe and peaceful livelihood of our citizens should override any political or scientific differences
TELEPHONE: (505)827-6000 FAX: (505)827-5826 www.nmag.gov
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1508SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREETSANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501

that we face. Following this tragic incident, our greatest concern should be ensuring that the people
and the lands we live on are free from hazardous materials.
With this in mind, I hope that you will strongly consider meeting the repeated reasonable demands
for compensation and long term-monitoring of the damages to New Mexico. Your immediate
action is paramount to ensuring justice for New Mexico and avoiding further damage from this
tragedy.
Sincerely,

Hector Balderas

Cc: Governor John Hickenlooper

TELEPHONE: (505)827-6000 FAX: (505)827-5826 www.nmag.gov

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1508SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87504-1508
STREET ADDRESS: 408 GALISTEO STREETSANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501