The Trump administration says it will initiate formal consultations with Native American tribes regarding the possible lifting of a 20-year ban on oil and gas exploration in areas surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conveyed this message in a letter to tribal leadership, stating it will conduct an environmental assessment and invite public comments on the proposed changes.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been embroiled in disputes over drilling rights, which have persisted across multiple administrations. The park is renowned for its ancient stone structures created by the Ancestral Puebloans, with significant archaeological and cultural value.
In 2023, following the urging of tribal leaders, the Biden administration established protections that prohibited new oil and gas development within 10 miles of the park. With the Trump administration's current review, concerns are mounting among tribal leaders and Democrat representatives of New Mexico, who fear a rollback of these hard-won protections.
The BLM's recent communication indicated that stakeholders could look forward to options ranging from maintaining the existing withdrawal, fully lifting it, or implementing a reduced buffer around the park.
Despite a possible government shutdown, the agency affirmed that BLM staff would be available for discussions with tribal leaders, emphasizing its commitment to governmental consultation with Indigenous communities.
Tribal representatives have articulated the importance of preserving Chaco Canyon, declaring that it is integral to their cultural heritage and identity, with many advocating for legislation that would ensure long-term protection against oil and gas interests.
The debate surrounding the Chaco area also includes divisions among tribes, notably the Navajo Nation, which has expressed concerns about the potential economic impacts of continued drilling bans while some families rely on oil and gas revenues.
In January, the Navajo Nation filed a lawsuit, claiming that the Biden administration did not adequately consult with them on the implications of prohibiting new development, sparking a nuanced and complex dialogue over land rights, cultural preservation, and economic realities in the region.
