September 16th, 2026Sen. Heinrich Statement Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the proposal from Sandia Pueblo to transfer 10,000 acres in the Sandias from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the Pueblo of Sandia after meeting with the Pueblo’s Governor Stuart Paisano: “I have had the opportunity to meet with Sandia Pueblo leaders over the years and have seen firsthand the importance of these lands to the Pueblo. The federal government has a responsibility to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination and to honor the unique government-to-government relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations. That means listening to Tribal leaders, taking their perspectives seriously, and recognizing that Tribal Nations have a unique history, culture, and relationship to their homelands. “At the same time, I believe we have a responsibility to carefully consider the best path forward for the Sandia Mountains and the many other New Mexicans who cherish and responsibly use these lands. I strongly support strengthening the Pueblo’s co-stewardship with the U.S. Forest Service. But what I do not support is transferring title away from the Forest Service or eliminating this area’s wilderness protections. “As discussions continue to evolve, I will keep listening to the Pueblo, all the New Mexicans who cherish these mountains, and everyone who shares the common goal of protecting these treasured lands for future generations.” ###