Senate Memorial 11 expresses the New Mexico Senate's commitment to protecting Mount Taylor, a site of significant cultural and spiritual importance to various indigenous communities, and opposes any uranium mining projects that could jeopardize its integrity. The memorial highlights the historical designation of Mount Taylor as a traditional cultural property, its role in indigenous traditions, and the potential environmental and health risks posed by uranium mining, including contamination of vital water sources and degradation of the landscape.
The resolution calls for federal and state agencies to deny permits for uranium mining within the boundaries of Mount Taylor and urges Congress to reform the General Mining Act of 1872 to prioritize the protection of sacred cultural sites and ensure meaningful consultation with tribal communities. The memorial aims to safeguard the cultural identity and traditional practices of the Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos associated with Mount Taylor, emphasizing the need for stronger ecological protections for the site and its surrounding environment.