Events Archive

CLEs

Each semester, the Utton Center collaborates with the School of Law’s Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program to put on a Speakers Series on topics in water and environmental policy and law. These presentations typically provide Continuing Legal Education credit certified by the MCLE Board of the New Mexico State Bar Association.

Topics include a broad range of critical natural resource and environmental issues across the state, including ongoing litigation, judicial decisions, and policies that affect New Mexico, local communities, and tribal governments. Academic legal experts, lead counsels, and nationwide authorities are featured speakers.

Presentations are open to the academic and legal community, as well as the public. Please contact Sairis Perez-Gomez, sairispg@unm.edu for more information about our events.

Disparities and Inequities in Water Use by AI and Data Facilities in New Mexico
February 23, 2026

Our evening CLE, Functional, Ethical, and Environmental Considerations for Using AI in Legal Practice, was an enormous success! Thank you to our panelists UNM School of Law Professor Cliff Villa, Aidan Manning of New Mexico Wild, and Maslyn Locke, a Senior Environmental Justice Staff Attorney at NMELC. Thank you for sharing the lessons and stories from your years of professional experience during our CLE as New Mexicans prepare for potential data centers being built in their communities. Rin Tara Water Policy and Governance Analyst of the Utton Center moderated the fantastic discussion.

This event would not have nearly been as succesful without our attendees. Thank you for asking such engaging questions and participating with the material. About 70 people attended in total, and 35 of those sought CLE credit. 

https://uttoncenter.unm.edu/news/2026/02/evening-cle-functional-ethical-and-environmental-considerations-for-using-ai-in-legal-practice.html

Evening CLE Functional, Ethical, and Environmental COnsiderations for Using AI in Legal Practice
November 10, 2025

The Utton Center's CLE Functional, Ethical & Environmental Considerations for Using AI in Legal Practice is now available online as a part of UNM's School of Law Free CLE Programming. For questions about accessing the course, please contact CLE@law.unm.edu. 

https://lawschool.unm.edu/cle/free-online-programs.html 

Evening CLE with Senator Peter Wirth
May 7th, 2025

Lunch and Learns 

Community Events

Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico Documentary Premiere 
March 2nd, 2026

The Utton Center host the premiere of our new documentary "Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico." The documentary followed the Rio Grande from just below the Colorado state line to Elephant Butte Irrigation District and discusses water management in the face of increasing aridification. Panelists included Martha Cooper, John Fleck, Jorge Garcia, Phil King, Stephanie Russo Baca, and Paul Tashjian. 

3rd Annual Socorro Community Conversation on Water
April 18th, 2026

This event was a follow-up to last year's gathering, with the aim of continuing to bring the community in Socorro County together along the Middle Rio Grande to discuss important water issues while enjoying a hearty meal.

Panelists and Featured Discussion

  • Water Outlook in the Middle Valley - Anne Markin, Water Operations Division Manager Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
  • Office of the State Engineer Updates - Katie Zemlick, Ph.D., Bureau Chief, Hydrology Bureau, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
  • 2026 Legislative Session Recap - Representative Gail Armstrong, House District 49 

Learn more about this event and previous community conversation on water by visiting the dedicated page here.