New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act
Sponsored By: Senator Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a formal MOU framework to recognize and facilitate noncommercial, historical or traditional uses by New Mexico land grant-mercedes on Federal public land. It would set permit rules, fee considerations, and planning steps so communities and agencies have a clear process for routine work and larger improvements.
Show full summary
- Land grant communities and heirs: Receive a structured path to seek permits and land-use authorizations for long‑established noncommercial uses. The MOU can allow routine maintenance and larger projects like water infrastructure or cemetery work and can include fee reductions based on socioeconomic conditions and governing body budgets.
- Federal land managers and planners: Would negotiate and adopt MOUs with the New Mexico Land Grant Council, including an initial agreement within two years, and must consider historical or traditional uses when updating land use plans.
- Indian Tribes and State authorities: The process requires consultation with directly affected Tribes and preserves existing treaty and State authorities over water and game management.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Help for New Mexico land grants
If enacted, federal agencies would have to make a formal agreement with the New Mexico Land Grant Council within two years. The agreement would set how agencies and land grant governing bodies coordinate on historical or traditional, noncommercial uses. The bill would require the agencies to consider fee reductions or waivers based on community incomes and the land grant’s annual budget. It would also define who counts as community users, require land planners to consider these uses when making plans, and say the bill would not create new rights or change tribal or state water or fish rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov