HOUSE MEMORIAL 12

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Andy Nuñez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS REFRAIN FROM DESIGNATING WILDERNESS AREAS NEAR THE NEW MEXICO-MEXICO BORDER.

     WHEREAS, federal legislation has been introduced that would designate two hundred thirty-two thousand acres of wilderness on or near New Mexico's border with Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the federal Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits the use of "motor vehicles", "motorized equipment" and any "other form of mechanical transport" as well as prohibiting any "structure or installation within any such area."; and

     WHEREAS, such prohibitions, limitations and restrictions prevent the routine patrol of such areas by the border patrol and local and state law enforcement and prohibit or restrict the use of proven detection equipment and devices; and

     WHEREAS, such prohibitions, limitations and restrictions on federal lands in Arizona have provided corridors for human and drug trafficking, thereby threatening the health and safety of the public;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico oppose the designation of wilderness areas on or near its border with Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that where such lands are worthy of protection, a designation less restrictive than "wilderness" be utilized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation, the majority leader of the United States senate and the speaker of the United States house of representatives.

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