State Land Office Proposing Arch Surveys


Albuquerque Journal (October 15, 2021) – The New Mexico State Land Office is proposing a rule that would require state trust land lessees to submit an archaeological survey before starting projects like building pipelines or roads or drilling for oil and natural gas.  State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said the rule would codify protections for sensitive cultural resources, compared to a policy or practice that could be undone by future administrations.

State Wants to Require Archaeological Surveys