Santa Fe, N.M. (December 19, 2023) – A proposed 114-Kilovolt power transmission project that would cut across approximately 14 miles of the Caja del Rio plateau in New Mexico threatens important wildlife habitat and cultural sites. The National Nuclear Security Administration announced the project, as part of an electrical power upgrade for the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The National Wildlife Federation urged the administration to extend the comment period on this proposed project because of the harmful impacts it could have.

“This proposed project threatens important wildlife habitat – including the Caja del Rio Cultural and Wildlife special management area that we worked with thousands of community members, elected officials, and ultimately the Forest Service to protect. The proposed line could also impact the integrity of lands sacred to many of our local communities as well as the ability for local Tribes to preserve important cultural and historical sites,” said Andrew Black, public lands field director for the National Wildlife Federation. “Announcing a 30-day public comment period just days before many people will be celebrating the holidays – and when many Pueblos are gearing up for leadership changes is inappropriate and unwarranted.  We urge the Biden Administration to extend the 30-day comment period so that the proposed plan can be thoroughly examined by local communities and for the agency to consider other alternatives.”