UNM Press Release

Aug. 27, 2003

SPEAKERS SERIES EXPLORES 'WATER ISSUES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY'

The first lecture of a free, four-part distinguished speaker series "Water Issues for the 21st Century," sponsored by the University of New Mexico School of Law's Utton Transboundary Resources Center and UNM Water Resources Program, is set for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. at the law school, rm. 2401.

A panel of experts will address the topic, "What Drought and Climate Change Mean to New Mexico." Panelists David Gutzler, UNM Earth and Planetary Sciences Department climatologist; Dierdre Kann and Charlie Liles, National Weather Service,

Albuquerque Office; and Anne Watkins, New Mexico Drought Task Force director, will speak about the drought's effect on New Mexico water policy.

Three additional lectures will be held at the same venue and feature key water resources experts and policy makers discussing critical issues in water resources management in New Mexico.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m., Interstate Stream Commission Director Estevan
Lopez, presents "New Mexico's Interstate Water Compacts: What They Mean to Us." The eight water compacts between New Mexico and neighboring states provide significant boundaries to New Mexico's water use and water planning. Lopez will discuss the effect these compacts have on New Mexico water planning.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, at 12:15 p.m., Alberto Szekely, Mexican Ambassador-at- Large for border resources issues will discuss, "U.S./Mexico Water Issues: What the Future Holds in Store." The ambassador will focus on water agreements between the U.S. and Mexico and on water supply along the border.

The final talk of the series is set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 12:15 p.m. and features New Mexico State Engineer John D'Antonio, who will discuss "New Mexico's Water Future." The state engineer is arguably the most powerful appointee concerned with water in New Mexico. D'Antonio will present his views on New Mexico's water future.

"The Utton Center and Water Resources Program are excited to offer the university community and the public such an important line-up of people influential in water issues that affect all New Mexicans," Utton Center Director Marilyn O'Leary said

The Utton Center's mission is to use multidisciplinary expertise and preventive diplomacy to help stakeholders avoid litigation over water and create sustainable water management plans. Created in 2000 to carry on work related to transboundary resource issues initiated by UNM Professor of Law Albert E. Utton, the center is positioned to be a model for the rest of the country, O'Leary said.

The Water Resources Program within UNM's University College offers the master of water resources degree, an interdisciplinary professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in water resources.

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