Washington, DC (May 27, 2016) - Congressman Steve Pearce, State Representatives Yvette Herrell (R-Otero), James Townsend (R-Chaves, Eddy & Otero), and, Dona Irwin (D-Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna), along with Caren Cowan, Executive Director of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, released a joint statement following a press conference the Congressman held discussing the recent actions taken by federal agencies to limit access to water rights:
"The New Mexico State Engineer is essentially the sheriff when it comes to managing claims for water rights in the state. However, Mr. Blaine's office has been able to do little while the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) has interfered with local citizens' access to water for their cattle. Stopping this is within Mr. Blaine's jurisdiction yet -he claims to have no standing. In a joint effort between Congressman Pearce's office, along over fifty New Mexico state legislators have engaged Mr. Blaine's office on this issue.
"This is not acceptable. The ESA's assault on water rights is harming how local citizens make their living - and their cattle cannot access water. This means mother cows cannot feed their baby calves - all of this during the heart of the cattle season. This intrusion is morally wrong.
"Action should be how we respond to our citizens' cries for help. Congressman Pearce's office sent a letter to Governor Martinez and are confident she will agree that New Mexico should stand up for its people and will take the side of local ranchers and the local economy. We will continue to bring awareness to this issue, fight for New Mexicans, and ensure the protection of property, water, and states' rights.
Background:
On April 14, 2016, a bipartisan group of fifty New Mexico state legislators wrote Mr. Tom Blaine, the New Mexico State Engineer, asking him to look into the actions of the United States Forest Service (USFS) that were limiting access to water rights held by residents of New Mexico. The letter pointed out the actions of the USFS were intrusive and excessive and requested Mr. Blaine terminate these actions.
On May 10th Congressman Pearce sent a letter directly to Mr. Tom Blaine reiterating the need to evaluate this matter - and expressing his support of the state legislators' efforts to request termination of USFS's activities. On May 13th Congressman Pearce issued a letter to Governor Martinez detailing prior efforts to engage the state.