Environment & Conservation
Vasquez, a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman, is deeply committed to safeguarding New Mexico's public lands. In the 119th Congress, he founded the first-ever bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, to ensure that access to public lands is a priority issue in Congress, and that responsible management and conservation remains at the forefront of the House. He is championing smart climate solutions to ensure future generations have access to clean water, air and lands.
Here are some ways he has worked to protect New Mexico’s natural beauty:
Public Lands and Conservation
- Founder of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus which successfully prevented the sell-off of millions of acres of public lands as part of the 2025 Republican tax law.
- Introduced the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act to protect rivers and creeks in the Gila River.
- Leading the Public Lands in Public Hands Act to ensure that public lands remain accessible to all.
- Introduced and secured the Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act in the 2026 Farm bill with strong bipartisan support. This legislation supports local ranchers, farmers, producers and landowners who want to make it easier for big game species to migrate across their lands.
- Before coming to Congress, worked with the community to help designate and protect the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
Wildfire Prevention & Management
- Introduced and helped pass Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act to fight wildfires by allowing DOD to sell excess aircraft and parts to entities, like 10 Tanker in Albuquerque, who use aircraft to put out wildfires.
- Called for solutions to staffing shortages within the United States Forest Service (USFS) to prevent devastating wildfires.
- Held the Forest Service accountable for wildfire management by advocating for updated action plans and increased safety measures.
- Introduced the Utilizing Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act to direct the U.S. Forest Service to use all the tools in its toolbox to reduce wildfires - including livestock grazing for dry fuel reduction.
- Continues to increase funding for wildfire management and prevention efforts.
- Secured funding for better infrastructure to improve wildfire response times in Isleta, Valencia, and other rural communities.
Next Generation Climate Solutions
- Introduced the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act would streamline energy project permitting processes, allowing communities to build energy infrastructure faster and bring down soaring energy costs.
- Secured funding for five electric school buses for Las Cruces Public Schools, reducing harmful emissions to keep students safe.
- Acquired $63M in federal funding for the development of electric truck charging stations, fostering emission reduction along the I-10 corridor and advancing the transition to electric vehicles.
More on Environment & Conservation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 24, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and his colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz demanding answers on declining trail quality on public lands before the peak summer season.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 8, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) secured over $4.8 million in federal funding for direct investments in public safety and water infrastructure in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a year marked by partisan gridlock and politics, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) managed to put common sense over D.C. dysfunction to deliver big, bipartisan wins for New Mexicans.
In 2025, seven of Rep. Vasquez’s bipartisan bills were signed into law by President Trump, including:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 18, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement on his vote on the SPEED Act:
“I strongly believe in an all-of-the-above energy approach. Southeast New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of natural energy resources, and I will always support smart energy policies that cut red tape and ensure our district remains an American energy powerhouse.”
San Antonio, N.M. – On December 6, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to meet with refuge staff, local partners, and members of the Friends of the Bosque to assess the impacts of chronic understaffing, federal budget cuts, and the recent government shutdown on one of New Mexico’s most important pieces of public land.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT), U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this month, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led an effort to protect New Mexico’s sacred lands by calling on U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reverse the Administration’s decision to begin the process of revoking Public Land Order (PLO) No. 7923, which safeguards the lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park (CCNHP) from new oil and gas leasing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 7, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) condemned the administration’s decision to cut $135 million in Department of Energy funding for projects in New Mexico, including $56 million in canceled investment for oil and gas modernization efforts in New Mexico’s second district. He was joined by 164 other House members.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Saturday, September 27, is National Public Lands Day. To mark the occasion and honor the value of our public lands, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a bipartisan resolution with Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) to encourage Americans to visit and celebrate our public lands on this fee-free day.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 19, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a call to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging New Mexico’s exclusion from the administration’s effort to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule.