NMED NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan has appointed New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Deputy Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Roose to serve as a member of EPA’s Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Congress established the GNEB in 1992. The GNEB is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and recommendations to the President and Congress on environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S. border with Mexico. In 2022 and 2023, the GNEB’s focus is water and wastewater infrastructure, which are topics that Deputy Roose has years of experience in addressing.
“This prestigious appointment represents the quality of the team we have leading New Mexico’s protection of our natural resources, combatting climate change, and collaborating with our international, state and tribal neighbors,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I am confident that Deputy Roose will represent New Mexico well on this board.”
“The New Mexico Environment Department is recognized around the country as a leader in protecting our limited water supplies and delivering on meaningful water infrastructure investments,” said Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “From shaping national debate on the Waters of the U.S. rule to connecting rural New Mexico and the Navajo Nation with reliable and safe drinking water, Deputy Cabinet Secretary Roose is a tireless advocate for our communities on a local and national stage. Her appointment to this Board will only further New Mexico’s voice around the country.”
Deputy Roose joined the Environment Department as Director of the Water Protection Division in 2019 and was appointed as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Administration in 2021. She previously worked at the U.S. EPA as Senior Advisor for Tribal Capacity Development in the American Indian Environmental Office, and in other roles managing national programs in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and the Office of Water at EPA Headquarters. Roose holds a juris doctorate degree and certification in Natural Resources Law from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Valparaiso University.
“Having clean and reliable drinking water is a fundamental need for the health, welfare and economy of all communities but is especially crucial that water and wastewater systems in communities along the southern border in New Mexico get the overdue attention they need,” said State Engineer Mike Hamman. “With the incredible opportunity for funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act specifically targeting under-served communities within EPA’s programs, communities that have been experiencing water shortages and quality issues will now get some relief. Having Deputy Secretary Roose on the GNEB will help inform the Board of the scale of the unmet water infrastructure needs in rural America.”
“As a former federal government employee myself, I know how essential it is for Congress and the White House to hear from local, regional and tribal experts on issues that affect our communities,” said Deputy Secretary Roose. “It is an honor to join the impressive group of experts EPA has assembled for the GNEB to advise federal leaders on how to address infrastructure issues along the U.S.-Mexico border that are fundamental for healthy families and thriving communities.”
Roose’s appointment begins immediately and continues through December 2023. Kathryn Becker, NMED Border Liaison and Assistant General Counsel, will support the GNEB as an alternate board member for the state.