S.1497 - Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1497, the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act, aims to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The amendment focuses on establishing the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico. It also modifies the boundary of the existing national monument.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would formally designate approximately 12,295 acres of federal land in Taos County, New Mexico, as the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness. This designation provides additional protections for the area's natural resources and wildlife. The boundary modification of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument will also occur, as depicted on the specified map.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Conservation: Protects approximately 12,295 acres of federal land as wilderness.
- Wildlife Protection: Allows for maintenance of existing wildlife water development projects.
- Recreational Opportunities: Preserves the natural character of the area for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
- Economic Benefits: Could lead to increased tourism due to the wilderness designation.
- Cooperative Management: Requires a cooperative agreement with the State of New Mexico for wildlife management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Restricted Land Use: Wilderness designation may limit certain economic activities, such as resource extraction.
- Potential Conflicts: Could create conflicts between different user groups (e.g., ranchers, conservationists).
- Administrative Burden: Requires the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement and manage the wilderness area.
- Limited Access: May restrict motorized vehicle access in certain areas.
- Enforcement Costs: Increased costs associated with enforcing wilderness regulations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to manage and regulate federal lands. The establishment of a wilderness area and modification of national monument boundaries fall within this authority. The act does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).