Senate OKs Valle Vidal Protection

"Countless New Mexicans have worked tirelessly to ensure the permanent protection of this remarkable treasure for generations to come, and passage of this bill is a testament to their efforts," U.S. Rep. Tom Udall said

Both New Mexico senators threw their weight behind protecting the Valle Vidal from oil and gas drilling Thursday, and it worked.

The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 -- authored by U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M. -- cleared the Senate floor late Thursday night. U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., announced his decision earlier in the day to support Udall's measure, after months of intense political pressure from all over New Mexico. Hunters, anglers, Republicans, Democrats and environmentalists lobbied Domenici relentlessly to protect the national forest property, famous for its high mountain valleys, rambling forests and elk herds, from development.

"We're very confident the president will sign it," Domenici spokesman Chris Gallegos said. "It moved very quickly. Everybody is pleasantly surprised."

The measure received unanimous consent and was among a series of energy-related legislation that was passed Thursday night, he said.

"Countless New Mexicans have worked tirelessly to ensure the permanent protection of this remarkable treasure for generations to come, and passage of this bill is a testament to their efforts," Udall said Thursday night.

Domenici's move appears to be related to a separate bill, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. That bill would open large parts of the continental shelf to oil and gas development.

"I have been concerned about being perceived as pushing for or even forcing energy production in other states while saying 'not in my backyard' in New Mexico," Domenici said. "However, at this point, I believe we can, and should, try to enact the Valle Vidal Protection Act."

The Valle Vidal is a 101,794-acre parcel of federal property located in the Carson National Forest.

"I have been to the Valle Vidal. It is a magnificent and beautiful area, and I understand why adding new protection has such widespread support," Domenici said in a statement issued Thursday.

The fact that Domenici made this move now is relevant because he won't be in the majority much longer. For now, he chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. But when Congress meets again next year, the chairmanship will go to U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., as a result of last week's election, which changed the majorities in the Senate and House.

If The Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 becomes law, it would be one of Udall's most noteworthy accomplishments since arriving to Congress in 1998.

"This was truly an effort that rose from the ground up," Udall said in a statement. "Community members living near the Valle, sportspeople from around the country, and (Boy) Scouts who come every year to earn natural resources stewardship badges in the Valle Vidal all worked together to express their desire that this unique piece of land and its unparalleled wildlife populations be protected in perpetuity."

Domenici is working to resolve differences between the House and the Senate on the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which would lead to as much as 5.8 trillion cubic feet of new natural gas produced from American waters.

"We reached a point in the session that we now believe anything we do on Valle Vidal would not impact any of our other initiatives," Domenici spokesman Matt Letourneau said.

Sportsman Ed Olona of Springer was lobbying for the move Thursday when he received the news of Domenici's support.

"That is great news," Olona said. "That made my day."

Olona also said that Domenici's support for the Valle Vidal will be noted in his legacy.

Lobbying efforts in support of Udall's bill have been spearheaded by the Coalition for the Valle Vidal, which includes more than 400 nonprofits, businesses and local governments.

"It will be a really wonderful Christmas present to New Mexico," coalition member Brian Shields said.