Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Key Points

• This bill would stop new mining and drilling on federal lands within the Pecos Watershed in New Mexico. It aims to protect the local water supply and natural environment from the impacts of industrial mineral extraction.
• The plan creates the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area, which covers about 11,600 acres of forest land. This designation gives the land the highest level of federal protection, keeping it in its natural state for future generations.
• People who already have legal rights to use the land, such as ranchers with grazing permits, can continue their work. The bill also allows the government to step in to manage wildfires or outbreaks of insects and diseases.
• State officials would keep their authority to manage hunting, fishing, and trapping in the area. The bill ensures that these outdoor activities can continue while protecting the land from large-scale development.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.