Congressional News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Forest Service to complete the initial steps of the mineral withdrawal process in the Upper Pecos Watershed.

Completing the initial steps of the mineral withdrawal process for the watershed would safeguard the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos from the dangers of future mining and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from this critical watershed.

“To safeguard the lands, waters, and way of life in the Pecos, we strongly urge the Forest Service to complete, without delay, the initial steps of the mineral withdrawal process for the watershed,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Any contamination of the watershed from mining would directly harm water quality, threatening local economies, fish and wildlife, and the health of the people living along the Pecos. These rural communities have made it clear: they do not want mining operations that could endanger the environment, their way of life, and the long-term sustainability of the region,” continued the lawmakers. 

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, Luján, Heinrich and Leger Fernández introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, legislation to protect portions of the Pecos Watershed in northern New Mexico from all mineral development. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus endorsed this legislation in October 2024.

Read the lawmakers’ full letter here.