I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
New Mexico will benefit from bills in the omnibus lands bill that passed the House earlier today and is now headed to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature. Most prominently, the Sabinoso Wilderness Act will designate nearly 16,000 acres of land 40 miles east of Las Vegas, NM, as wilderness.
The Act was originally introduced by then-Rep. (now Sen.) Tom Udall, a Democrat, and was introduced this year by his successor, Rep. Ben Ray Luján, also a Democrat.
“The ecosystem that represents the wilderness is unique to the region and supports diverse wildlife and vegetation—which is why the Sabinoso Wilderness Act is supported by hunters, ranchers, conservationists, and residents who want to preserve the land for future generations,” Luján said in a statement. “The language will preserve valuable and treasured land, providing the next generation with the opportunity to enjoy it.”
Udall commented on the lands bill today, too, saying “I am proud that after years of work on the local, state and federal levels, we are just one step from ensuring its permanent protection.”
In addition to the Sabinoso Wilderness Act, the passed legislation featured four bills pertaining to water availability. They are the Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Act, the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act, the Navajo-San Juan Indian Water Rights Settlement, and the New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act.
Albuquerque Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich spoke in favor of the legislation on the House floor today, saying, “The Rio Grande has been the lifeblood of our community for thousands of years, and for the Pueblo of Sandia this bill will make possible much-needed investments in their water infrastructure and vital agricultural irrigation systems.”
Heinrich continued, “From east to west, this bill will reauthorize the Route 66 Corridor Program which is essential to preserving the historical character and vibrancy of our beloved Central Avenue.”
The video of Heinrich’s speech is available on C-Span’s Web site.
“Communities in New Mexico need access to this precious resource, and this legislation will help alleviate the problems they face with water availability and allocation,” Luján, who also introduced these pieces of legislation, said.
Michael B. Casaus, Sierra Club of New Mexico’s field organizing manager, said, “This is the biggest wilderness protection bill in decades.” He also praised the leadership of all three members of the New Mexico delegation, saying Heinrich, Luján and Democratic Rep. Harry Teague “have helped ensure that we will have a wild legacy to pass on to our children and grandchildren.”
