ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's only Republican member of Congress has joined the fight between ranchers and the federal government over access to water on national forest lands.
The U.S. Forest Service has fenced streams, springs and other watering holes to protect the habitat of an endangered mouse. The agency has defended the action, saying it has responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act.
But U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce said Wednesday the agency is blindly implementing laws without weighing the effects on livelihoods, customs and culture in rural New Mexico.
He says the federal government is trampling on private property and water rights and the state has the authority to step up.
Fifty state lawmakers also have written to New Mexico's top water manager, voicing concerns that the federal government has overstepped its authority.