Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Call For State Designation To Enhance Protections For The Upper Pecos Watershed

WASHINGTON (March 19, 2021) – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are calling on the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission to consider the Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) designation for the Upper Pecos Watershed to safeguard the promise of clean water and increase protections for the watershed.

“We stand together with the Village of Pecos, San Miguel County, the New Mexico Acequia Association, the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, and Molino de la Isla Organics LLC on this petition,” wrote the lawmakers. “The iconic Upper Pecos watershed is the lifeblood of the region’s economy, ecosystem and way of life. There are 55 acequias and traditional users in the watershed and they all rely on clean water. For generations, they have served as stewards of the river and lived by the values of ‘Agua es vida.’”

In the letter, the lawmakers point out that the Pecos Business Association (PBA) and New Mexico’s outdoor economy rely on clean water and a healthy ecosystem to attract visitors and support the local economy. According to a 2020 report released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industry value added a 2.2 percent share increase of the state’s GDP in 2019 and supported over 35,000 jobs.

“We support this this ONRW designation to protect traditional agriculture and a way of life for our children and grandchildren and ask you to please support this nomination,” the lawmakers concluded.

In February, Senators Heinrich and Luján reintroduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act that would withdraw all federally-managed minerals in the watershed and would prevent leasing, patent, or sale of all publicly-owned minerals, including oil and gas as well as gold, silver, copper, and other hard rock minerals. The senators continue to build off of the momentum the legislation received in the 116th Congress.

Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

Dear Commissioners:

We write to you today as you consider the Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) designation for the Upper Pecos Watershed. To deliver on the promise of clean water for future generations, you have the authority to designate our most treasured waters as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs). Upon hearing the testimony and the merits of the case for protection of this special watershed, we hope you will vote to support this effort.

We stand together with the Village of Pecos, San Miguel County, the New Mexico Acequia Association, the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, and Molino de la Isla Organics LLC on this petition. The iconic Upper Pecos watershed is the lifeblood of the region’s economy, ecosystem and way of life. There are 55 acequias and traditional users in the watershed and they all rely on clean water. For generations, they have served as stewards of the river and lived by the values of “Agua es vida.”

The Pecos Business Association (PBA) relies on clean water to attract visitors and support the local economy. Hunters and anglers spent a combined $47 million in 2013 in San Miguel County. Fly fishing guides have named the Upper Pecos 6th among the “11 best places to fly fish in NM.” Hunters enjoy hunting for mule deer, elk and other species.

The growing outdoor economy of the region also attracts hiking, backpacking and wildlife viewing. These days, the area is vital for our local families with children to get outside. In the midst of this pandemic, we value opportunities for our children to get away from screens and technology and instead perhaps catch a fish or hike in nature.

We support this this ONRW designation to protect traditional agriculture and a way of life for our children and grandchildren and ask you to please support this nomination.

Sincerely,