Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has announced a decision to prohibit new federal oil and gas leasing within 10 miles of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This move has prompted members of the Greater Chaco Coalition to urge the Biden administration to cease all new federal fossil fuel leasing nationwide.

The coalition is advocating for a comprehensive approach to resource management in the Greater Chaco region, emphasizing the need to address climate change. Despite Interior's estimates suggesting minimal impact on oil and gas drilling from this withdrawal, Diné communities outside the buffer zone continue facing pollution threats.

Under President Biden, the U.S. remains a leading producer of oil and gas globally. The administration has approved more drilling permits on public lands than during Trump's tenure and has sanctioned projects like Alaska's Willow amid opposition.

The Bureau of Land Management plans to auction over half a million acres for drilling by year-end, despite court rulings highlighting its failure to consider cumulative environmental impacts from fracking. The coalition continues pressing for an end to fossil fuel development across Greater Chaco and nationwide, stressing environmental justice and tribal consultation.

Robyn Jackson of Diné C.A.R.E. highlighted the health impacts of drilling, urging a shift towards renewable energy. Julia Bernal from Pueblo Action Alliance emphasized landscape management that phases out oil development as crucial. Samuel Sage expressed hope that BLM will adhere to Haaland's announcement.

Judith Le Blanc from Native Organizers Alliance called for fortifying treaty rights with informed consent from tribes. Soni Grant urged ending all fossil fuel leasing on public lands, while Jeremy Nichols noted decades of industry impact on Greater Chaco.

Ally Beasley pointed out extensive industrialization beyond park borders, calling for broader protections. Miya King-Flaherty stressed the need for landscape-level safeguards in Greater Chaco.