Legis Daily

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

USA119th CongressS-1319| Senate 
| Updated: 12/2/2025
Martin Heinrich

Martin Heinrich

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Cosponsors (1)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)

Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation aims to enhance environmental protection in New Mexico by withdrawing specific federal lands within the Pecos Watershed area from various forms of development. It prohibits mineral entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, as well as location, entry, and patent under mining laws. Furthermore, it prevents disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials, safeguarding the area from extractive industries. In addition to the watershed protection, the bill designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area , integrating it into the National Wilderness Preservation System. This new wilderness area will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the Wilderness Act, while preserving existing livestock grazing rights and the State's jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management. Importantly, the designated wilderness area is also withdrawn from mineral entry and other forms of disposition, reinforcing its protected status.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-182
Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3033
Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-4599
Pecos Watershed Protection Act
Apr 8, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2727
Introduced in House
Apr 8, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 8, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Dec 2, 2025
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-182
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3033
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-4599
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • April 8, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2727
    Introduced in House


  • April 8, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 8, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


  • December 2, 2025
    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2727: Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

USA119th CongressS-1319| Senate 
| Updated: 12/2/2025
This legislation aims to enhance environmental protection in New Mexico by withdrawing specific federal lands within the Pecos Watershed area from various forms of development. It prohibits mineral entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, as well as location, entry, and patent under mining laws. Furthermore, it prevents disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials, safeguarding the area from extractive industries. In addition to the watershed protection, the bill designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area , integrating it into the National Wilderness Preservation System. This new wilderness area will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the Wilderness Act, while preserving existing livestock grazing rights and the State's jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management. Importantly, the designated wilderness area is also withdrawn from mineral entry and other forms of disposition, reinforcing its protected status.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-182
Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3033
Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-4599
Pecos Watershed Protection Act
Apr 8, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2727
Introduced in House
Apr 8, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 8, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Dec 2, 2025
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-182
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3033
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-4599
    Pecos Watershed Protection Act


  • April 8, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2727
    Introduced in House


  • April 8, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 8, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


  • December 2, 2025
    Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Martin Heinrich

Martin Heinrich

Democratic Senator

New Mexico

Cosponsors (1)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)

Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2727: Pecos Watershed Protection Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted