Heinrich, Risch Lead Legislation to Ensure Long-Term Funding for Community Infrastructure Projects in New Mexico Surrounding WIPP

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Economic Assistance Assurance Act, legislation to amend the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Land Withdrawal Act to ensure sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for New Mexico communities to maintain vital infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and repairs for the duration of WIPP's operation.

"New Mexico plays a critical role in America's national security, and WIPP is central to that mission. This legislation ensures sustained, inflation-adjusted funding for public infrastructure around WIPP - from roads to essential services - supporting both its workforce and surrounding communities. I will remain steadfast in ensuring WIPP upholds the highest safety standards," said Heinrich.

"Idaho leads the way in nuclear energy innovation, and WIPP is an important part of our success," said Risch. "This legislation ensures that WIPP remains operational, allowing Idaho to continue to advance nuclear energy research."

WIPP, located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the nation's only deep geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic waste generated by the United States' nuclear weapons program. Since opening in 1999, WIPP has played a critical role in supporting the national defense mission by managing legacy nuclear materials and supporting national security-related cleanup efforts across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Communities in southeastern New Mexico have hosted WIPP and the transportation infrastructure that supports the facility for decades. In recognition of this role, Congress included provisions in the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act of 1992 to provide economic assistance payments to the State of New Mexico and affected local communities. These funds support transportation infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and other activities necessary to safely host and support WIPP operations.

Heinrich and Risch's legislation ensures that the original authorization level for annual economic assistance, which expired in 2013, remains in place for as long as WIPP remains operational.

The legislation is endorsed by the Southeast New Mexico College; United Steelworkers Local 12-9477; City of Carlsbad, New Mexico; and City of Hobbs, New Mexico.

In January, Heinrich secured $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to improve roads leading to and from WIPP through recommended payments from the DOE to the State of New Mexico. This investment was the first time that funds have been appropriated for this purpose since 2014.

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