New Mexico Delegation Urges Protection for National Monuments
In a recent letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, New Mexico’s congressional delegation has expressed strong opposition to any plans that could undermine national monument designations in the state. This urgent appeal comes amid anticipated executive orders from President Donald Trump, particularly concerning environmental issues and public lands, set to be announced on Earth Day.
The delegation’s concerns are rooted in a previous review initiated by Trump that resulted in the reduction of national monuments in Utah, notably the Bears Ears National Monument. The New Mexico lawmakers are particularly worried about three key sites: Organ Mountains, Rio Grande del Norte, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.
The letter asserts that these national monuments safeguard significant landscapes and cultural resources integral to both New Mexico and the nation. It emphasizes that the monuments represent a carefully negotiated balance of public land protection among local leaders, communities, and Tribes. These areas not only bear immense historical and archeological value but are also vital to New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy.
Highlighting the economic impact, the delegation noted that visitors to the Organ Mountains generated $1.9 million in tax revenue in 2022, and following the designation of the Rio Grande del Norte, the Town of Taos experienced a 21% increase in lodger’s tax revenue.
The letter concludes with a call to honor the cultural significance of these natural landscapes and the economic benefits tied to their protection. The lawmakers urged Secretary Burgum to maintain the integrity of all national monuments, reflecting the voices and interests of New Mexicans and tribal communities.
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