The Public Comment Period for a Transmission Line in Caja Del Rio Has Started

New Mexico's Caja del Rio is a unique and historic convergence of cultures and the home to rich wildlife. This ecologically and culturally significant landscape currently faces numerous threats, including illegal dumping, vandalism of sacred sites, unregulated shooting, poaching, and off-road misuse.  

For years, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) has been heavily advocating at the local, state, and federal levels for more permanent protections for Caja del Rio.   

In December 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), announced the proposed construction and operation of a new 115 kilovolt (kV) power transmission line and upgrading LANL’s existing electrical infrastructure. Read the full proposal here. 

The construction of a 14-mile electric transmission line to be a secondary power source for the Los Alamos Labs will cross approximately 1.2 miles of the Caja del Rio Wildlife and Cultural Management Area and will require a forest plan amendment to do so. Most of the new line will be on the existing transmission infrastructure, following an existing road. Check map on page 13 of this scoping meeting presentation.  

The comment period for community members to speak out about this proposed power line started on January 22nd and ends on February 20th. You can submit your comment via email at EPCUEA@nnsa.doe.gov  or mail it to: NNSA Los Alamos Field Office. Attention: EPCU Project NEPA. 3747 West Jemez Road. Los Alamos, NM 87544.