New Mexico legislators have come together to introduce national legislation that works to strengthen land grant communities' rights.
The Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act aims to preserve the history of the state and also give recognition to land grant communities, according to a release from the governor's office.
"For generations, land grant communities have provided excellent stewardship to our lands but have been burdened by a lack of federal recognition that leaves no adequate communication on federal plans," Sen. Ben Ray Lujan wrote in a tweet. "That's why I'm proud to introduce legislation that will eliminate the disconnect that federal agencies have with traditional communities and requires Historical Traditional Uses to be considered in federal land management planning."
U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) introduced the legislation, which would also require permit requirements for any minor work, including routine maintenance, according to the release.
