The Caja Del Rio, the westernmost edge of the Santa Fe National Forest has been neglected by management over the years, resulting in an excess of illegal dumping, shooting, cattle grazing, and UHV abuse. Yet, this area is a bastian for locals looking for lower-elevation riding in the frigid winter months and maintains a rich and diverse biome. Animals use the Caja for a habitat as high-end/luxury housing has expanded and golf courses installed in a water-parched landscape.
Energy.gov is currently seeking public comments related to the destruction of habitat in favor of a power line installation from Los Alamos.
This comment period was extended as it was illegally posted during the holidays. So, if you ride bikes in the Caja, or believe the sacred home of the Cochiti Pueblo should be protected, please comment. Read more below…
Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is preparing an Environmental Assessment (DOE/EA-2199) to evaluate the proposed construction and operation of a new 115 kilovolt (kV) power transmission line and upgrading LANL’s existing electrical infrastructure. The EA is being prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office.
Public Comment Opportunities
The official start of the comment period is on December 19, 2023. Written comments on the draft EA will be accepted through January 17, 2024. At the request of USFS, the draft EA is being made available prior to the official comment period.
Questions, EA and Forest Plan amendment comments, and/or requests for a paper copy of the draft EA may be submitted via U.S. mail to:
NNSA Los Alamos Field Office
ATTN: EPCU Project NEPA
3747 West Jemez Road
Los Alamos, NM 87544or emailed to:
