Southern New Mexicans are worried Virgin Galactic may drop out from involvement with Spaceport America, possibly wasting millions of dollars in taxpayer money.

It all has to do with a hold harmless clause, which offers legal protection to companies against liability for injuries or damages.

Virgin Galactic, run by billionaire Sir Richard Branson, said without that protection, the company may leave New Mexico altogether.

"Business owners like myself are counting on this," Broadway Florist owner Jeff Barbour said.

Barbour owns a florist shop in Truth or Consequences, a town that sits about 30 miles from Spaceport America.

Barbour said the town needs the business and tourism that Spaceport has been expected to bring in.

"We spent a lot of money and our taxpayer dollars are currently going to have this thing be in operation," Barbour said.

In fact, it's million of dollars in taxpayer money at stake.

Dona Ana County passed a spaceport tax in 2007, agreeing to provide $49 million of the total $209 million needed for the project.

In 2008, Sierra County agreed to pay $2.4 million.

"For them to pull the rug out underneath is unacceptable," Barbour said. "They need to pass this law."

"Everyone stands to lose is this does not pass the house," T or C City Commissioner Steven Green said.

Green said New Mexico lawmakers need to pass a hold harmless clause in order to keep the land of enchantment competitive.

Four other states do have those laws including Texas and California.

Green said he hopes lawmakers hear the pleas of locals in T or C relying on the success of Spaceport America.

"Please sign on this bill," Green said.

"If they like their political future, they will pass this," Barbour said.

Green told KFOX14 he is optimistic regardless of the outcome because T or C still has other popular tourist attractions including the well-known hot springs.

"Spaceport America should be the icing on the cake," Green said. "It was never meant, as far as I'm concerned, to be the cake."

Legislators will consider the hold harmless clause during the upcoming legislative session.