Anjali Taneja House District 18 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez and Senator Ben Ray Lujan have introduced the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, aimed at withdrawing federal minerals from new oil and gas leasing within a 10-mile buffer surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Greater Chaco Coalition views this as a positive initial step but emphasizes the need for further action to address the environmental impact of extractive industries on the Greater Chaco Landscape.
The bill also highlights the necessity for health studies concerning the effects of fracking in the area. Despite broad support for protecting cultural resources and public health beyond the proposed buffer zone, over 90% of the region remains leased for oil and gas extraction, with minimal expected reductions in production due to the bill.
Secretary Haaland has initiated the Honoring Chaco Initiative to manage landscape-level impacts, which is seen by the Coalition as an opportunity to address cumulative oil and gas extraction issues across Greater Chaco. The Coalition urges leaders to focus on community well-being and environmental protection, referencing their 2018 fact sheet on needed legislative adjustments.
The Greater Chaco Coalition, supported by various local organizations including Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and Pueblo Action Alliance, continues its advocacy for permanent protections through ongoing initiatives.
"The Greater Chaco Coalition will continue to advocate for permanent landscape-level protections through the Department of the Interior’s ongoing Honoring Chaco Initiative," stated members of its Coordinating Group. They remain committed to holding officials accountable for promises made regarding environmental justice in Greater Chaco.
