In a Congressional season marked by radical anti-wilderness legislation and historic cuts to environmental programs that protect our land, water, and air, bipartisan action in the Senate seems increasingly rare.
Senator Bingaman reintroduces Rio Grande del Norte
Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation led by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman yesterday re-introduced legislation cosponsored by Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) that would protect roughly 236,980 acres of the most scenic and ecologically significant lands in northern New Mexico. A House version was introduced by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D, NM-3), cosponsored by Rep. Martin Heinrich (D, NM-1).
Senator Bingaman, along with members from the New Mexico delegation, reintroduced a bill to protect New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge. The legislation, Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act (S. 667/H.R. 1241), would protect around 235,980 acres of pristine wild lands in Northern New Mexico, including Ute Mountain -- the highest point on New Mexico BLM land -- and the Rio Grande Gorge -- one of the world’s great avian migratory routes. The legislation would also safeguard world-class recreation opportunities, such as hiking, hunting and fishing.
People seeking incredible outdoor experiences need not look any further than Northern New Mexico. In-state and out-of-state travelers come here to explore gorges, mountains, plains, rivers and view a variety of iconic wildlife.
From rugged canyons to towering pinnacles, New Mexico’s wild public lands represent some of the wildest country left in the Rocky Mountain West. But these places also face a number of threats, including oil and gas drilling, off-road vehicle abuse, and urban sprawl.
