U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, along with other members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, responded on Apr. 1 to new actions by the Trump administration that would remove protections for the Greater Chaco Region and open public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park to new oil and gas leasing.
The issue is significant because the Greater Chaco landscape holds cultural, spiritual, and historical importance for many Pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico. The area contains living sacred sites and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, making it one of only 24 such sites in the United States.
According to Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, “Chaco Canyon is a living cultural landscape that holds deep historical meaning and is a sacred space for many of our New Mexico Tribes. It is not just one more place to drill. The disrespect shown by the Trump administration toward New Mexicans seems to know no bounds.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján said, “Allowing just seven days for public comment on the fate of a 1,000-year-old sacred site is inadequate and disgraceful. I’ve spent my career working to secure lasting protections for Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region through real consultation and meaningful public input.” He continued: “The Trump administration is doing the opposite — jamming a comment period into Holy Week and limiting public participation to online-only access, all while Pueblos are in the midst of preparations for sensitive cultural activities. This is unacceptable, and I will continue pushing back against this administration’s attempts to undermine Tribal sovereignty.”
Representative Teresa Leger Fernández said that over 4,700 archaeological sites are included within these protected areas: “We secured the protections for the Greater Chaco Region...through a thorough and inclusive process. The Trump administration’s rushed attempt to roll back the protections blatantly disregards...such a sacred and historical site like Chaco Canyon deserves.” Representative Melanie Stansbury called on communities for support: “We need your voices...to protect Chaco Canyon,” she said.
Representative Gabe Vasquez added: “This administration continues to show its deep contempt for Indian Country...Chaco is an irreplaceable and sacred landscape...There are appropriate places to develop oil and gas, and this is not one of them.”
Members of Congress from New Mexico have previously taken steps such as hosting press conferences with Pueblo leaders urging permanent protection measures; sending letters inviting Secretary Doug Burgum from the Department of Interior to visit; introducing legislation led by Luján in Senate and Leger Fernández in House; as well as calling attention at national events alongside Tribal governors.
The future status of these lands remains uncertain as federal agencies move forward with environmental assessments under shortened timelines.
