Another Bite at the Eminent Domain Apple?

One of the Rio Grande Foundation’s greatest achievements includes having worked with the Legislature and Governor Richardson to reform New Mexico’s eminent domain laws to protect property owners against eminent domain abuse in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Kelo decision. In fact, according to the Castle Coalition, which works on such issues, New Mexico’s property protections are among the strongest in the nation.

Unfortunately, the folks at the City of Rio Rancho — despite a specific carve out in the current law — remain dissatisfied with current restrictions and are looking to introduce legislation enabling local governments to engage in additional takings.

A hearing on the issue was held in Santa Fe last week and I went to register concern. Check out my brief comments below: