Summary:

  Senate Memorial 16 (SM 16) expresses opposition to the use of eminent domain to establish a national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico. 

 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Memorial 16 (SM 16) expresses opposition to the use of eminent domain to establish a national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico. 

SM 16 finds:
•	The United States Department of Energy has designated a substantial portion of land, spanning three to fifteen miles in width, across eastern New Mexico as a potential location for the Southwestern Grid Connector National Interest Transmission Corridor; 
•	While the designation of this corridor is intended to enhance the nation's energy grid and support renewable energy growth, many are raising concerns about potential risks to local communities and the environment;
•	New Mexico's farming and ranching communities are central to the state's economy and cultural identity, providing agricultural products, livestock and open spaces that sustain local businesses, jobs and traditions;
•	The use of eminent domain to acquire land for the construction of transmission lines would force farmers and ranchers to give up valuable land that has been passed down through generations, potentially disrupting long-established operations, displacing family-run businesses and diminishing economic security for thousands of families in rural areas; 
•	Farming and ranching operations rely heavily on the land for grazing, crop production, water access and infrastructure. The establishment of electric transmission lines, towers and associated infrastructure on private agricultural land could pose a serious threat to soil health, water resources and the ability to conduct business in a way that aligns with sustainable practices, leading to long-term financial damage and ecological harm;
•	Farming and ranching families are often forced into difficult decisions when faced with eminent domain, including selling off parts of their land or accepting compensation that does not accurately reflect the loss of their heritage, business or livelihood;
•	Small businesses in rural areas depend on the stability of their local economy, which is tied to the ability of farmers and ranchers to operate effectively. The designation of a national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico could increase operating costs, lead to land fragmentation and reduce land values, potentially resulting in the closure or relocation of many small businesses;
•	The property tax revenues in several eastern New Mexico counties will be negatively affected by the land being acquired by the federal government via eminent domain;
•	Farmers, ranchers and small business owners are the backbone of New Mexico's economy and should be supported in their efforts to maintain their businesses, protect their land and contribute to the continued success and prosperity of the state; and
•	There is a need for comprehensive and fair alternatives to eminent domain that would balance the need for infrastructure development with the protection of local economies, landowners' rights and sustainable agricultural practices.

SM 16 requests:
•	The senate to strongly oppose the Southwestern Grid Connector National Interest Transmission Corridor and the use of eminent domain in eastern New Mexico;
•	The senate to call on all policymakers, agencies and developers to reconsider and avoid
the use of eminent domain to establish a national interest electrical transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico and to instead seek alternative solutions that prioritize local economies, respect private property rights and ensure the continued vitality of New Mexico's agricultural and small business sectors;
•	The senate to urge lawmakers and decision makers to work with impacted communities to develop solutions through collaborative, noninvasive means that do not jeopardize local livelihoods or cultural heritage;
•	The senate to urge the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation to oppose and take appropriate action to prevent the United States department of energy from using eminent domain to seize private property in eastern New Mexico for use as an electric transmission corridor;
•	The US secretary of energy, the New Mexico congressional delegation and the governor each receive copies of SM 16.
 

Amendments:

 3/4/25
The Senate Conservation Committee (SCONC) amended SM 16 (SCONC/SM 16A) by removing or changing emotionally charged language such as dangerous when referring to the battery storage that could happen within this proposed corridor and the use of seize when referring to the lands acquired through eminent domain. It clarifies that SCONC/SM 16A is promoting negotiated agreements with owners to acquire more limited land rights for the corridor rather than the use of eminent domain that does not require owner consent.