N.M. Senators Introduce Bill to Save Organ Mountains

U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall have introduced a bill to protect the Organ Mountains in Dona Ana County.

The New Mexico Democrats said Thursday the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks Wilderness Act would create a 259,000-acre wilderness area and a 100,000-acre conservation area.

They said the bill would allow continued public use while protecting the Organ Mountains' granite peaks and the volcanic cinder cones of the Potrillo Mountains.

Bingaman said the areas have caves, limestone cliffs and winding canyons.The bill has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Bingaman, the committee's chairman, said he plans a hearing on the bill this fall.