Governor signs order to conserve lands

New Mexico’s governor on Wednesday signed an executive order to conserve at least 30% of all lands in in the state by 2030, despite opposition from from at least two entities in Quay County and other counties against similar federal initiatives.

New Mexico’s “30 x 30” framework complements a federal nationwide effort to protect the nation’s lands and waters but is tailored to honor New Mexico’s traditional land uses while promoting biodiversity, encouraging recreation opportunities and protecting watersheds, according to a news release from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office.

The executive order directs the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Environment Department, Office of the State Engineer, Department of Agriculture, Indian Affairs Department and the director of Game and Fish and Outdoor Recreation Division to use their authority to support and implement programs that conserve, protect and enhance the state’s lands and natural environments.

This framework will leverage available funding and programs, allowing the state to move more quickly to protect and conserve New Mexico’s landscapes. The committee of agency leaders will work with communities on recommendations to ensure diverse land uses are represented.

The executive order specifically:

• Directs the agencies to use existing programs across all land types, leverage state and federal funding to the fullest extent, engage with federal land management agencies in planning, and coordinate with stakeholders.

• The agencies will meet quarterly to assess the state’s progress toward the goals set by the executive order and provide an annual report to the governor on progress.

• The agencies are instructed to use the best available science, take a broad view of conservation including contributions from working lands and demonstrate a commitment to equity, including respect for and consideration of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

The executive order sets goals that are consistent with scientific consensus to keep average global temperature increases below 1.5 degree Celsius of warming and highlights the need for fast action on climate change.

The approach is consistent with the federal government’s recently announced America the Beautiful Initiative, which recognizes that protection of 30% of the world’s lands, freshwater and oceans by 2030 can significantly contribute to this goal.

“Today we promote a broad view of conservation that reflects the importance of traditional resource protection, access for outdoor recreation, contributions of working lands, and tribal sovereignty and self-determination,” Lujan Grisham said. “We have set the wheels in motion to conserve our state’s incredible natural resources and ensure that New Mexico remains, forever, the Land of Enchantment.”

The Quay County Commission and Logan school board in July both passed similar resolutions opposing the federal “30x30” land-preservation goal.

The county’s resolution, recommended by county manager Daniel Zamora, states the president and federal agencies lack the constitutional or statutory authority to set aside such land.

If implemented, it is “likely to cause significant harm to the economy of Quay County and injure the County’s businesses and its citizens by depriving them of access to public lands and preventing the productive use of these land resources,” the resolution stated.

The resolution also states the withdrawal of 680 million acres of federal lands would cause “dramatic and irreversible harm” to western states, including New Mexico, and rural counties in particular.

The resolution supports “reasonable” greenhouse gas emission policies that “do not single out” industries or activities. Any land for 30x30 should be acquired only from willing landowners who would be compensated at fair-market value, it stated.