The United States Department of Energy has awarded a $22.1 million grant to New Mexico State University’s Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, funding the center for the next five years and further ensuring that surrounding communities feel safe living close to a radioactive waste repository.

Established in 1991, the CEMRC is part of NMSU’s College of Engineering and conducts environmental monitoring in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and other areas around the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.

“As New Mexico’s land-grant university, NMSU is committed to serving communities throughout our great state, well beyond our Las Cruces campus,” said David Jauregui, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “The College of Engineering has a strong tradition of environmental research that addresses challenges affecting the health and safety of New Mexicans. CEMRC exemplifies this commitment through its independent environmental monitoring, and continued investment from the Department of Energy will help sustain this important work.”