Biden admin unleashes 50-year mining, oil drilling ban across thousands of acres in New Mexico

The Biden administration proposed to block of thousands of acres from future oil drilling or mining in northern New Mexico in an effort to protect Native American lands.
According to the Department of the Interior (DOI), the proposal would ban new mining claims and oil and gas development across more than 4,200 acres in Sandoval County, New Mexico, located north of Albuquerque.
If finalized and implemented, the action would remain in place for up to 50 years.
"Today we’re responding to call from Tribes, elected leaders, and community members who want to see these public lands protected," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement.
"We look forward to hearing more from the public to inform decisions about how activities, like gravel mining, may impact these lands, including the important cultural and natural resources."
The area is also popular for hiking, camping, sightseeing and hunting.
At the time, Haaland said residents and tribal citizens in the region bear the brunt of pollution produced from the area's many mines.
Earlier this year, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., reintroduced the legislation.
The pair have also repeatedly called on the DOI to take action blocking mineral development in Sandoval County.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"It is time we put an end to this years-long debate and withdraw these parcels from future mineral development," Heinrich said during a March event in Albuquerque alongside Stansbury.
Sand and gravel extraction is key for various infrastructure projects like roads.
The report projected the land withdrawal would result in a decrease of $2 million in federal revenue.
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