Federal bill would protect 85,000 acres near Santa Fe from drilling and mining
In committeeS. 4458Latest action
Sponsor: Martin Heinrich · Senator · NM
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Caja del Rio Protection Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 4458 would permanently protect about 85,000 acres of federal land near Santa Fe from new mining, drilling, and most road construction.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill sets aside about 85,000 acres of federal land near Santa Fe, New Mexico as two new protected areas. New mining, oil and gas drilling, and most new road construction would be permanently banned there. The government would have three years to create management plans and restrict where motor vehicles can travel.
Who does it affect?
Santa Fe area residents, hikers, Native American tribes, ranchers with grazing rights, and city and county water utilities are directly affected. Tribes with cultural ties to the land and Spanish and Mexican land grant communities with historical ties would keep certain traditional access rights.
Why does it matter?
Designating the land as protected means current and future uses like mining and drilling would no longer be allowed there. Water infrastructure for the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County would be protected, but any new construction in the area would need to meet conservation requirements.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 30, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.