Luján, Leger Fernández Lead New Mexico Delegation in Reintroduction of Legislation to Permanently Protect Chaco Canyon

New Mexico Delegation Moves to Protect Sacred Site for Years and Generations to Come

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The legislation will prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone around the park. This proposed Chaco Protection Zone will preserve the sacred sites and cultural patrimony within Chaco Canyon and the surrounding landscape for generations to come.

Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes that contains living sacred sites. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

In 2023, the Biden administration announced it would commence a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands in the 10-mile buffer zone. That welcome step has been successful and is still in place but is under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. By contrast, this legislation would provide permanent protections for the Greater Chaco Region by withdrawing non-Indian federal lands from new mineral development in perpetuity.

“Chaco Culture National Historical Park – and the Greater Chaco Region – is one of the world’s greatest treasures that must be protected for our future generations. Chaco holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Tribes and Pueblos and is one of only a handful of World Heritage Sites in the United States,” said Luján. “With the New Mexico Delegation, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to permanently protect the Greater Chaco Region. This legislation is a longstanding priority for Pueblo and Tribal communities, environmental advocates, and the New Mexico Delegation to ensure we protect our sacred sites. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region for generations to come.”

“Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet. It holds deep meaning for many communities and Pueblos across New Mexico,” said Heinrich. “Our Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act will prevent new oil and gas development in the vicinity of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and permanently protect the Chaco Canyon landscape. I am proud to stand alongside the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of this irreplaceable and sacred landscape.”

“When we visit Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region, we better understand America’s ancient history and wisdom about astronomy. It is a sacred area that educates, inspires, and compels us to reflect on our shared history and the communities we love today,” said Leger Fernández. “I am reintroducing the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, along with my colleagues in the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, so that we may preserve this irreplaceable, living landscape that so many Indian Tribes and Pueblos still use for traditional purposes. I will continue to work with surrounding communities and Tribal nations to preserve this jewel of New Mexico so future generations may be humbled by its beauty.”

“Pueblo and Tribal leaders have fought to protect the sacred and ancestral lands of Chaco Canyon for generations, and the United States government must step up to ensure these lands remain protected,” said Stansbury, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “This legislation will protect sacred lands and sites for future generations, but we must not stop here. Protecting places like Chaco Canyon from the Trump Administration takes all of us. I am proud to join Pueblo and Tribal leaders, and the New Mexico delegation to re-introduce this critical piece of legislation.”

“Chaco Canyon is sacred to Tribal communities and vital to our understanding of the Southwest’s cultural and environmental heritage. I’m proud to stand with leaders across New Mexico to permanently protect this irreplaceable site from future drilling and destruction. We have a responsibility to honor the voices of Indigenous leaders, safeguard our public lands, and preserve Chaco’s legacy for generations to come,” said Vasquez.

“This legislation reflects the APCG’s long-standing commitment to protect Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region. Through countless meetings, cultural resource studies, and tireless advocacy, we have guided this effort forward. We extend our profound appreciation to Senator Luján, Representative Leger Fernández, our New Mexico Congressional Delegation, and all who stand with our Pueblos in ensuring these sacred landscapes remain a source of inspiration and cultural continuity for generations to come,” said James R. Mountain, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.

“As a Diné allottee and community organizer, I welcome the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act as a critical step to defend our land, air, water, and sacred sites. For too long, extractive industries have threatened our health, culture, and future generations. This Act moves us closer to honoring the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Chaco while protecting the integrity of our homelands,” said Joseph Franklin Hernandez, Indigenous Energy Organizer, Naeva, Navajo Nation.

“We are thankful and grateful for the reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Protection Act. This would enhance our connections to the land and tell the generations ahead of the history of ancestral knowledge in astronomy, architecture, and independence. All of this in the time of pillage and extraction, the tourism economy will be enhanced.  To Our Congressional Leaders, you have our vote of endorsement,” said Former Navajo Councilman Daniel Tso.

To ensure Indian lands and non-federal lands retain rights to develop their lands as the surrounding area is protected, this legislation strengthens protections for infrastructure and development on private, state, and Tribal lands, including Navajo allotments. According to a 2022 federal assessment of the proposed 10-mile buffer zone, only 10 Navajo allotments will be highly impacted by a withdrawal.

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), Archaeology Southwest, Native Lands Institute, New Mexico Wild, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Voices for Children, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Environment New Mexico, Sierra Club, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Other supporting quotes can be found here. 

A summary of the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

###