The Greater Chaco Coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the culturally significant Greater Chaco Landscape in response to a Congressional hearing held by the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resource. The coalition expressed concerns over a proposed bill that could nullify the Biden administration's administrative withdrawal, potentially hindering progress made through the Honoring Chaco Initiative.

In an open letter signed by 111 organizations, the coalition urged Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to reinforce her commitment to this initiative. They emphasized its importance in preserving sacred landscapes and addressing legacy impacts while prioritizing health, justice, equity, and sustainability.

Cheyenne Antonio, a Navajo Nation Citizen and Greater Chaco Coordinator for Diné C.A.R.E., provided written testimony on behalf of the coalition during the hearing. Other testimonies were given by Kendra Pinto from Earthworks, Samuel Sage from Navajo Nation Counselor Chapter Community Services, Dr. David J. Tsosie from Diné Centered Research and Evaluation, Mario Atencio from Torreon/Starlake Chapter of the Navajo Nation Government, and former Council Delegate Daniel Tso.

The coalition has long advocated against unchecked fossil fuel extraction in the region due to threats posed to ancestral tribal lands, public lands, clean air and water, and community health. In their letter to Secretary Haaland, they called for continued support of the Honoring Chaco Initiative and emphasized strategies such as winding down fossil fuel exploitation and implementing Tribal co-management strategies.

Expressing gratitude for Secretary Haaland’s leadership amidst personal attacks, the coalition recognized her role in protecting Indigenous sacred lands. Over a decade of advocacy efforts have garnered support from Indigenous communities and conservation organizations.

The Greater Chaco Coalition is composed of Indigenous community leaders, Native organizations, nonprofits, public lands protectors advocating for greater protections for Greater Chaco Landscape based on principles like environmental justice beyond extraction.