S. 4458In committeeEnvironment & energy
Federal bill would protect 85,000 acres near Santa Fe from drilling and mining
Data as of July 11, 2026
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
Decoded
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.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- 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.
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Official title
Caja del Rio Protection Act
- Introduced:
- April 30, 2026
- Latest action:
- April 30, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.