Heinrich Legislation to Protect Pecos Watershed and Complete Continental Divide Trail Advances Out Of Committee
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, during a markup in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) Pecos Watershed Protection Act and Continental Divide Trail Completion Act passed out of committee with bipartisan support. The legislation now must be considered by the full Senate.
Heinrich’s Pecos Watershed Protection Act, introduced alongside U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), would protect portions of the Pecos Watershed in northern New Mexico from mining. U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández will introduce the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The bipartisan Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, introduced by Heinrich and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028.
During the markup, Heinrich said, “The Pecos Valley is home to a diverse community of farmers, ranchers, hunters, anglers, and business owners, who are united by their reliance on the Pecos River and the expansive watersheds that feed into it. Members of the Jemez and Tesuque Pueblos have lived in the region and practiced their cultural traditions on the river since time immemorial.”
Heinrich continued, “This legislation would protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from any new mining claims that could threaten the health of the Pecos River and everyone who relies on it. I hope we can protect this incomparable watershed so that generations to come can rely on it, just as the Pecos community does today.”
Heinrich closed his remarks by also expressing his support for the bipartisan Continental Divide Trail Completion Act.
The full video of today’s committee markup can be viewed here.
Background on the Pecos Watershed Protection Act:
In 1991, a spill of toxic waste from a closed mine killed fish in the Pecos River for more than 11 miles. It took decades and millions of dollars to clean up that previous mine, and the last thing this area needs are new mines that would pose a new threat to the watershed.
Heinrich’s legislation would withdraw all federally-managed minerals in the watershed from development. This would prevent leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly-owned minerals.
Today's hearing builds on three years of tireless advocacy from the New Mexico delegation to safeguard the Upper Pecos Watershed from all mineral development.
In September 2020, Heinrich initially introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed. He reintroduced the legislation with Senator Ben Ray Luján in February 2021, while Leger Fernández introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act in the House in 2021.
In March 2021, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández led a letter to the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission to safeguard the promise of clean water and increase protections for the watershed.
In June, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández led a letter calling on the U.S. Forest Service to outline the process by which the agency will assess the potential risk of mineral development in the Upper Pecos Watershed.
In November, Heinrich joined a community gathering with elected officials, local leaders, and the conservation community to call for protecting the Pecos Watershed from future mining.
A copy of the full bill text of the Pecos Watershed Protection Act can be found here.
Background on the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act:
Designated by Congress as part of the National Trail System in 1978, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) stretches more than 3,000 miles and passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The trail follows the Continental Divide and transverses some of the nation’s most treasured natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Since the CDT’s creation, stakeholders have worked tirelessly to complete the trail. Today, more than 160 miles of the trail require diversions onto roadways and highways, and 600 miles of the trail require relocation. Closing these gaps and relocating these segments will help better maintain the trail’s purpose while ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey for visitors.
The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, introduced with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior to prioritize completion of the CDT by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028.
The bill received a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks in June.
A copy of the full bill text of the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act can be found here.
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