The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 (H.R. 3817) was approved by the House Resources Committee Wednesday, June 21, 2006, by a unanimous 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. Udall introduced the bill in September 2005 and it had one hearing last October.
Udall, who has long served on the House Resources Committee, said, "Protecting the Valle Vidal means preserving for New Mexico and the nation a land rich in history and culture and abundant in wildlife. America's earliest inhabitants -- Pueblo cultures, Spanish settlers and extensive populations of wildlife -- have made their homes there and I believe we have a responsibility to protect it for future generations."
In addition to the Committee's action, Rep. Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) announced she would support and co-sponsor Udall's bill. ``There are some places that have outstanding recreational, scenic and wildlife value. The Valle Vidal is one of these places,'' Wilson said. ``I weighed this decision carefully and considered extensive public input.''
New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson has also called for protection of the Valle Vidal. Earlier this month, he filed a petition asking federal officials for "complete protection" from road development on 1.7 million acres of roadless lands in New Mexico including 100,000 acres in the Valle Vidal. Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-R), who sits on the House Resources Committee, said he also supports the legislation. Senator Domenici (NM-R), chairman of the Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee, still has not declared a position on the Valle Vidal legislation.
Udall noted that last Wednesday's passage of the Valle Vidal bill marks continued progress in accomplishing protective status for the Valle Vidal. He concluded, "This is a huge step forward in the process to protect one of New Mexico's most precious gems. Thanks to the strong voices and support of numerous New Mexicans, the U.S. House of Representatives is one step closer to protecting what the Pueblo Indians and Spanish founders referred to as 'The Valley of Life'."
The measure is now cleared for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
Background
The 100,000-acre Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest is a wildlife and recreation paradise filled with breathtaking landscapes, teaming wildlife, lush grassy meadows, sparkling streams set in a backdrop of a lush green conifer forest. This majestic landscape 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 area is renowned for its elk and other hunting opportunities and is prime habitat to recover the Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
The U.S. Forest Service is in the process of determining whether or not to lease portions of New Mexico's Valle Vidal area 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 oppose plans to allow drilling in the area. Responding to this wide range of interests opposed to allowing drilling in New Mexico's Valle Vidal - Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced legislation in September 2005 (H.R. 3817 and S. 1734). The House bill would withdraw the area from mineral entry while the Senate bill would create a National Preserve in the area as well as withdraw it from mineral entry.
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