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Senate memorial calls on agencies and Congress to protect Mount Taylor and oppose uranium mining
Summary
Senate Memorial 14, presented by Senator Charlie, reaffirms the state’s commitment to protecting Mount Taylor as a traditional cultural property and urges state and federal agencies to deny uranium mining permits affecting the mountain’s TCP designation. The committee gave the memorial a do‑pass recommendation after broad tribal and community支持.
Senator Charlie presented Senate Memorial 14, which reaffirms New Mexico’s recognition of Mount Taylor as a traditional cultural property and urges state and federal agencies to safeguard the mountain and oppose uranium mining projects that would threaten its cultural, environmental and water resources.
Nut graf: Support for the memorial came from tribal representatives, pueblos and Native organizations that described Mount Taylor as a sacred place and warned of environmental and water risks tied to renewed uranium‑mining proposals; the memorial also calls on Congress to reform the General Mining Act of 1872 to strengthen tribal consultation and environmental protections.
Speakers from the Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Jemez, Navajo Nation affiliates and other tribal‑linked organizations described Mount Taylor as central to ceremony and community identity and recounted the legacy of uranium mining and health impacts in the region. Aaron Sims, attorney for the Pueblo of Acoma, described the TCP nomination and litigation record; Taryn Via of the Pueblo of Jemez and other tribal speakers asked the committee to support the memorial. Most in‑room and online testimony was in favor; one witness representing uranium companies said safety practices have improved and said her clients would seek to respect cultural concerns.
Committee members asked whether there are active or pending mining applications on or around Mount Taylor; witnesses said there are historic and pending applications and that some operations near Mount Taylor are active or semi‑active and that a number of proposed projects remain before the Mining and Minerals Division. Legislators also discussed water‑resource concerns for aquifers that supply springs and wells for pueblos and other communities.
The committee recorded a do‑pass recommendation on the memorial by a recorded vote of 5 yes, 2 no and 2 excused. Senators asked sponsors to continue outreach and to work with the Mining and Minerals Division and affected tribes on next steps.
