N.M. Delegation Welcomes Biden Administration Announcement on Temporary Protection from Mining Threats for Upper Pecos Watershed

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming today’s announcement that the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have initiated a two-year segregation period to temporarily withdraw approximately 165,000 acres of public lands in the Upper Pecos watershed in northern New Mexico, from new mining claims and the issuance of new federal mineral leases, subject to valid existing rights. This temporary protection gives the public land agencies time to consider longer-term protections without new mining claims being staked during the process.

“This temporary protection is a major victory for the Pecos Valley and the farmers, Tribal members, hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists who are united by the expansive watersheds that feed into it,” said Heinrich. “The Upper Pecos Watershed has an unfortunate history of poorly managed mining and development projects that have put New Mexicans and our ways of life and cultures at risk. While we continue pressing our colleagues in Congress to pass our Pecos Watershed Protection Act to ensure permanent protection from harmful mining operations, we urge the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to move forward with longer-term administrative protections. I urge them to schedule the required public meeting on this administrative protection proposal immediately.”

“I’m proud that the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management heeded my call and will now take important steps to protect the Upper Pecos Watershed from mining threats,” said Luján. “This two-year protection will safeguard the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos. I commend Secretary Haaland for her leadership on this issue, and I remain committed to passing the Pecos Watershed Protection Act to protect the parts Pecos Watershed from all mineral development and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from this critical watershed.”

“As the Pecos River flows from high mountain snowmelt, it provides the water needed for life, for the recreational and cultural traditions of the surrounding valley and the communities it traverses for miles. In New Mexico, we know that agua es vida — water is life — and we must protect the Pecos from any new mining toxic waste spills. Secretary Haaland’s initiation of an administrative protection for the Upper Pecos Watershed is a vital step to make sure surrounding communities can rely on the Pecos River. I will also continue to work to pass my Pecos Watershed Protection Act to permanently safeguard the Pecos and make sure dangerous mining accidents do not happen again,” said Leger Fernández.

“President Biden and Secretary Haaland’s announcement of temporary protection against mining threats is a significant step forward in safeguarding our precious water resources and protecting the unique ecosystems of the Upper Pecos Watershed,” said Stansbury. “It is a triumph for our communities who rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We must continue to prioritize the health of our environment so New Mexicans can not only benefit from these vital natural resources but enjoy them. Together, we will ensure New Mexicans inherit a vibrant and resilient landscape.”

"Today’s action by Secretary Haaland is crucial to protect the Upper Pecos watershed," said Vasquez. "This land is vital for wildlife, water and Indigenous communities, and I will continue fighting for its permanent protection in Congress. We must ensure these lands are preserved for future generations.”

Background:

The Pecos River is not only an essential source of water for communities throughout New Mexico but also supplies water to traditional acequias and helps support agriculture that sustains families and livelihoods in New Mexico. In 2023, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, legislation to protect portions of the Pecos Watershed in northern New Mexico from new mineral claims. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus endorsed this legislation in October 2024.

Earlier this month, the Delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service strongly urging the completion of this initial step of the mineral withdrawal process in the Upper Pecos Watershed. Completing this initial step safeguards the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos from the dangers of future mining claims for two years.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service will now initiate a process to propose that the Secretary of the Interior implement a 20-year withdrawal to help secure the region’s water and air quality, cultural resources, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The withdrawal, for lands in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties, would encompass multiple Pecos River tributaries, including Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek.

The BLM will publish this announcement in the Federal Register in the coming days, initiating a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal. During the comment period, the two agencies will host at least one hybrid public meeting. The New Mexico Delegation is urging the agencies to announce the date of this public meeting as soon as possible.

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