The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission on Thursday postponed action on a proposed water agreement with computer chip-maker Intel.

Instead, the commission asked its staff to come up with a broader policy governing the way water to be used for the Intel deal, and any future deals like it, should be allocated.

The action was a response to concerns raised last week by state lawmakers, Commissioner Blane Sanchez said after the meeting.

The legislators, during a hearing Wednesday, asked for a delay for more time to study the complex water rights transaction.

Under the agreement, the Interstate Stream Commission would relieve Intel of some of the long-term water rights obligations associated with its New Mexico chip-making plant. In return, Intel would hand over water rights it currently owns, along with $10 million.

The deal's supporters, led by Interstate Stream Commission Director Estevan López, argue that, in the near term, the agreement would give the state additional water rights and money to help put more water in the Rio Grande to help save the Rio Grande silvery minnow and other endangered species.

Critics, led by farmers at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, questioned whether the agreement would require the state to meet Intel's needs in the future by using water that ought to go to farmers.

Critics also questioned whether the deal sets a precedent, and that other water users might ask for similar treatment.

The commission Thursday asked staff to come back with recommendations on how to treat similar requests in general so the agency has a set of standard guidelines.

No deadline was set for reconsideration of the agreement.