Sen. Lujan Moves to Block Uranium Mining in Chama Watershed

Legislation proposed to permanently withdraw sensitive New Mexico basin from mineral development

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A serene, cinematic landscape painting depicting a lone, rustic cabin nestled in a rugged mountain setting, bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of the fragility and beauty of the natural environment.The pristine Chama Watershed, a natural treasure threatened by the prospect of uranium mining, stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation.Chama Today

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján is leading an effort to protect the Chama Watershed in northern New Mexico from a proposed uranium exploration project by Canada-based Gamma Resources Ltd. Luján is drafting legislation to permanently withdraw the watershed from mineral development, citing concerns from local leaders and advocates about the potential environmental impacts on the pristine air, land, water, and wildlife in the region.

Why it matters

The Chama Watershed is an ecologically sensitive area that includes the Ghost Ranch, a museum and former home of renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Protecting the watershed is a priority for local communities and Democratic lawmakers who are concerned about the risks of uranium mining in the region, which could jeopardize the natural resources and character of the area.

The details

Gamma Resources Ltd., a Canada-based company, has proposed the Mesa Arc Project, a uranium exploration project centered in the Chama Basin. The company says the area has multiple deposits and high-grade potential. However, Sen. Luján and a coalition of local leaders, advocates, and Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, are opposing the project and working to block it through legislation that would permanently withdraw the watershed from mineral development.

  • In April 2026, Sen. Ben Ray Luján announced his opposition to the proposed uranium mining project in the Chama Watershed.

The players

Sen. Ben Ray Luján

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New Mexico who is leading the effort to protect the Chama Watershed from the proposed uranium mining project.

Gamma Resources Ltd.

A Canada-based company that has proposed the Mesa Arc Project, a uranium exploration project centered in the Chama Basin.

Sen. Martin Heinrich

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New Mexico who is supporting Luján's efforts to protect the Chama Watershed.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New Mexico who is supporting Luján's efforts to protect the Chama Watershed.

David Evans

The chief executive officer of Ghost Ranch, a museum that was once the home of renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe, who opposes the uranium mining project due to concerns about its impact on the area's natural resources and character.

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What they’re saying

“We share the concerns of Northern New Mexico communities regarding uranium drilling here, and strongly oppose any activity that would jeopardize the pristine air, land, water, and wildlife that make this area so special.”

— David Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ghost Ranch

“Our position is clear. We will not allow this proposal to move forward without a full environmental review.”

— Sen. Ben Ray Luján

What’s next

Sen. Luján and the coalition of local leaders and advocates are drafting legislation that would permanently withdraw the Chama Watershed from mineral development, effectively blocking the proposed uranium mining project. The legislation will need to go through the legislative process before it can be enacted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between resource extraction and environmental protection, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Chama Watershed. The local community's concerns about the potential impacts of uranium mining on the region's natural resources and character have prompted a strong political response, underscoring the importance of balancing economic development and environmental stewardship.