The Trump administration has announced plans to begin formal discussions with Native American tribes as it considers revoking a 20-year ban on oil and gas development that surrounds the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
In a recent letter to tribal leaders, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) indicated it would conduct an environmental assessment regarding the potential reopening of federal lands for oil and gas leasing. Public commentary on the proposal will be invited following this assessment.
Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a focal point in the ongoing debate over conservation versus resource extraction. The park is known for its ancient stone structures and historical importance to Native American culture.
In response to previous advocacy from tribal leaders, the Biden administration had implemented a new ban on oil and gas exploration within a 10-mile radius of the park, protecting it for the next two decades. There is now rising concern among tribal leaders about the potential rollback of these protections.
The letter suggests three potential options that the BLM will consider: maintaining the current withdrawal, completely lifting it, or implementing a smaller buffer zone around the park.
There is an ongoing push from Pueblo leaders and the broader community to keep the ban in place, emphasizing the cultural significance of the land. In contrast, some members of the Navajo Nation have been advocating for a smaller buffer to support local economic interests tied to oil and gas royalties.
