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119-hr-2727119th Congress

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Sponsored By: Representative Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

Introduced

Summary

Would withdraw federal land from mineral entry and designate the Thompson Peak Wilderness to protect parts of the Pecos Watershed in New Mexico from new mining, leasing, and related development while keeping long‑standing uses in place.

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  • Families and recreationists: Would create an 11,599‑acre Thompson Peak Wilderness managed under the Wilderness Act, preserving backcountry recreation and scenic forest land.
  • Ranchers: Would allow existing livestock grazing to continue if it was established before enactment, following Wilderness Act rules.
  • Mining and energy interests: Would withdraw the mapped federal land from mineral entry, mining claims, and mineral or geothermal leasing, blocking new mineral development on those acres.
  • State and land managers: Would keep State authority over fish and wildlife and direct the Forest Service to administer the wilderness and file a public map and legal description.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

No new mining on Pecos watershed lands

If enacted, federal lands in the Pecos Watershed shown on the “Proposed Mineral Withdrawal Legislative Map” dated September 11, 2023, would be withdrawn from new mineral activity. No new mining claims, mineral patents, or mineral or geothermal leases would be allowed. The lands would also be off-limits to most public land entry or disposal. This would start on the date of enactment and would not affect valid rights that already exist on that date.

Thompson Peak wilderness; new mining limits

If enacted, about 11,599 acres near Thompson Peak in New Mexico would become a federal wilderness area. The Forest Service would manage it under the Wilderness Act. Existing livestock grazing that started before the law would be allowed to continue. The State would keep control over hunting, fishing, and trapping. There would be no buffer zone; activity outside could still be seen or heard. The area would be closed to new mining claims, mineral patents, and mineral or geothermal leases, subject to valid rights that exist on the date of enactment. The Forest Service could act to control fire, insects, and disease. A map and legal description would be filed with Congress and made public. Any land later acquired within the boundary would be added to the wilderness.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

NM • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/8/2025

  • Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

  • Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 12/16/2025

  • Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 1/13/2026

  • Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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