SANTA FE, N.M. — High school students would be able to earn credit for taking an elective course covering water management and conservation under a bill introduced by a New Mexico lawmaker.

Sen. Michael Padilla is proposing the class as part of a two-year pilot project to be established by the state Public Education Department. The Albuquerque Democrat is calling for $100,000 for the project.

He says the goal would be to prepare students for the workforce or higher education programs in a subject area vital to New Mexico’s future.

The state is entering its fifth year of severe drought. Despite recent snowfall, nearly two-thirds of New Mexico are dealing with moderate drought or worse.

Under the legislation, the education department would have to report back to the Legislature and the governor on the project’s success.