Court backs protections for sacred mountain in New Mexico

Friday, February 7, 2014  

The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a decision on Thursday that upheld protections for sacred Mount Taylor.

The New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee placed the 700-square-mile area around Mount Taylor on the Register of Cultural Properties in 2009. The designation requires the state to consult tribes about the impact of development and other projects on land within the area.

Non-Indian energy developers and landowners opposed the designation. In a unanimous decision, the state court said it was valid.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Reyellen Resources Inc. v. New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee.

Get the Story:
NM Supreme Court upholds Mount Taylor's cultural designation (AP 2/7)
State Supreme Court upholds Mount Taylor designation (The Albuquerque Journal 2/8)
Court ruling will help protect Mount Taylor (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/8)

New Mexico Supreme Court Decision:
Reyellen Resources Inc. v. New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee (February 6, 2014)

New Mexico Supreme Court hears case over sacred site listing (10/18)