Today, the Biden Administration announced a significant step in land protection by safeguarding over 4,200 acres of New Mexico's Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma. This decision was made through an order issued by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, which prohibits gravel mining and other extraction activities on these lands for the next 50 years.

The Pueblos of San Felipe and Santa Ana have been pivotal in advocating for this protection, as these areas are part of their ancestral homelands. For more than two decades, residents around Placitas have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of mining on public health, quality of life, sacred sites, and air and water resources.

Miya King-Flaherty, Our Wild New Mexico Organizing Representative, commented on the development: “This is welcome news and Senator Heinrich and Congresswoman Stansbury have been instrumental in this effort. The Biden administration committed to protecting 30% of US lands and waters by 2030 and slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. If we are to meet these goals, actions like mineral withdrawals that prevent new mineral leasing and mining will be key and play an important role in conserving ecosystems, protecting ecological and cultural resources, and protecting wildlife corridors."

King-Flaherty further expressed gratitude towards Secretary Haaland for finalizing the withdrawal to ensure long-term protection for places like Buffalo Tract.