New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 13 / July 14, 2026

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division hereby gives notice of the following proposed rulemaking. EMNRD proposes to adopt rule 19.20.7 NMAC, Timber Grading Certification Program.

Purpose of Rule. EMNRD proposes this rule to create the Timber Grading Certification Program, as directed by the Timber Grading Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 68‑6‑1 through 68‑6‑4. The rule establishes a statewide system through which sawmill owners and sawmill employees may receive certification to grade and label structural timber milled in New Mexico. The program is designed to allow NM‑graded timber to be used in residential and commercial construction statewide, consistent with New Mexico building codes. The proposed rule establishes: (a) requirements for certification; (b) training components of the program; (c) qualification standards for program instructors; (d) a state‑specific grading and labeling system for structural timber; and (e) grounds and processes for the suspension or revocation of certificates.

Legal Authority. EMNRD proposes the rule under the authority of the Timber Grading Act, Sections 68‑6‑1 through 68‑6‑4 NMSA 1978, and Subsection E of Section 9‑1‑5 NMSA 1978, which authorize the Forestry Division to promulgate rules necessary to implement the Act.

The full text of the proposed rule is available from Erin McElroy at (505) 490-7378 or erin.mcelroy@emnrd.nm.gov or can be viewed on the EMNRD, Forestry Division’s website at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/public-meetings-hearings/ or at the Forestry Division office at 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or at its offices in Chama, Cimarron, Las Vegas, Rio Rancho, Socorro, Capitan, and Silver City. An electronic copy can be viewed here: electronically here: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/19.20.7_Timber_Grading_Certificate_Program_Proposed.pdf

Public Hearing and Comment. EMNRD will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule at 9:00 a.m. on August 14, 2026, at the Wendell Chino Building, Pecos Hall, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Those wishing to attend and participate virtually may join using one of the following:

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join from the meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24129514234687?p=JQ9N9PeGTVcYjjodJt

Meeting ID: 241 295 142 346 87

Passcode: nQ3m28MJ

Dial in by phone

+1 505-312-4308

Phone conference ID: 380 578 692#

Those wishing to comment on the proposed rule may make oral comments or submit information at the hearing or may submit written comments by August 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. by mail or email. Please mail written comments to Erin McElroy, EMNRD, Forestry Division, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or submit comments by email to erin.mcelroy@emnrd.nm.gov.

Technical Information that served as a basis for the proposed rule include:

Timber Grading Act, Sections 68‑6‑1 through 68‑6‑4 NMSA 1978.

Copies of the technical information can be obtained from Erin McElroy at (505) 490-7378 or by email at erin.mcelroy@emnrd.nm.gov or can be viewed on the EMNRD, Forestry Division’s website at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/public-meetings-hearings/.

If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact Erin McElroy at (505) 490-7378 or through the New Mexico Relay Network at 1-800-659-1779 at least two weeks prior to the hearing. Public documents can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact Erin McElroy at (505) 490-7378 or by email at erin.mcelroy@emnrd.nm.gov if a summary or other accessible format is needed.