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The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on July 13 for the Energy Opportunities for All Act (H.R. 4374), from Reps. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ), which would overturn the Interior Department's recent 20-year mineral withdrawal within 10 miles of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

This legislation is just the latest challenge posed by mining interests to environmental and cultural heritage protections. The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act (H.R. 3062 / S. 1404), which was reintroduced in May to protect Chaco Canyon and the greater landscape surrounding the park, would codify the recent order from Secretary Haaland to prevent future leasing and development of oil, gas, and minerals on non-Indian federal lands in perpetuity.

Take action and ask your members of Congress to cosponsor the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act.

Good news! In May, the Biden administration secured a 20-year mineral withdrawal for a 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. This action will protect these invaluable cultural and historic resources from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims for the next twenty years.

It is a crucial initial step in protecting this vast cultural region. We are very thankful for the Biden administration’s support for protecting Indigenous lands. However, twenty years is but a fleeting moment for this UNESCO World Heritage Site and advocacy is still needed.

Supporters like you can make a difference. Urge your Congressional representative to approve vital legislation to permanently protect this landscape for generations to come.

The Greater Chaco Landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Native American groups. Yet this incredible landscape is threatened by encroaching oil, gas, and mineral development. Contact your members of Congress today to urge support for the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act and protect these sacred lands for generations to come.

Public advocacy by supporters can make a difference, and public lands like the Greater Chaco Landscape need your voice now more than ever.

Sign your name to let your elected officials know that you support preserving these sacred landscapes.