On Monday, July 24, 2006, the House of Representatives approved the Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 (H.R. 3817) by a voice vote. Authored by Rep. Tom Udall (NM-D), the legislation would permanently prohibit energy development and extraction in the 102,000-acre Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest.
Upon the bill's passage, Rep. Udall said, "I am pleased the House of Representatives has recognized that the true values of the Valle Vidal will be preserved by protecting it from energy and mineral extraction and development. The Valle is worthy of protection and the passage of this bill is a testament to the thousands of New Mexicans who have declared their support to preserve this unique and versatile landscape."
"For generations, the people of New Mexico have appreciated all the Valle has to offer, and warmly welcomed others to partake in the experience. Now that this bill has been passed by the House, my hope is that it gains the support and momentum needed to carry it through the Senate, under the guidance of our Senators," Udall concluded.
The measure is now awaiting action in the Senate. New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has not taken a position on the bill and has continued to say that he wants to see the Forest Service complete its process.
Background
The 102,000-acre Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest is renowned for its elk and other hunting opportunities and is prime habitat to recover the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The Forest Service has managed the area since Pennzoil Co., which never allowed drilling in the area, donated the tract to the federal government in 1982. This special area starts at an elevation of around 7,800 feet and terminates at 12,544 feet - the summit of Little Costilla Peak, New Mexico's third highest mountain.
The Forest Service is now in the process of determining whether or not to lease portions of the Valle Vidal for coal bed methane development. A wide range of interests including sportsmen, local governments, tribes, the former president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association and conservation groups have joined together to oppose plans to allow drilling in the area. In response, Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced legislation in September 2005 (H.R. 3817 and S. 1734) to withdraw the area from mineral entry. The Senate measure would also create a National Preserve. The House bill was approved by the House Resources Committee on June 21 and has the support of New Mexico's other two Members of Congress - Heather Wilson (R-NM) and Steve Pearce (R-NM).
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