OPPOSITION TO EMINENT DOMAIN FOR TRANSMISSION

Senate Memorial 16 is a non-binding resolution passed by the New Mexico Senate opposing the U.S. Department of Energy's proposed "southwestern grid connector" national interest electric transmission corridor in eastern New Mexico. It specifically targets the federal use of eminent domain (government seizure of private land without consent) to build transmission infrastructure, which would directly affect farmers, ranchers, and small businesses relying on agricultural land for their livelihoods. The resolution calls on federal agencies and New Mexico's congressional delegation to reject eminent domain for this project and instead pursue alternatives that protect private property rights, local economies, and sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes that land seizures could disrupt generational operations, harm soil and water resources, and reduce property tax revenues for rural counties.