On the second anniversary of the Honoring Chaco Initiative (HCI), the Greater Chaco Coalition has urged Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to fulfill her commitment to protect the Greater Chaco region. The coalition expressed gratitude for her efforts but emphasized the need for continued action.

In June, a 20-year mineral withdrawal was approved by the Department of the Interior, prohibiting new mineral leasing within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This measure is part of HCI, announced by President Biden and Secretary Haaland in November 2021 at the Tribal Nations Summit. The initiative aims to involve federal agencies, Tribes, Indigenous community members, advocacy groups, and stakeholders in managing the Greater Chaco Landscape and addressing environmental and social injustices.

Cheyenne Antonio from Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment stated that following through with HCI "is a chance to build bridges and move forward to Protect Greater Chaco."

The region faces significant pollution challenges due to nearly 40,000 oil and gas wells. Since HCI's announcement, toxic waste spills have increased significantly. Daniel Tso, former Navajo Nation Council Delegate, criticized ongoing oil and gas activities without proper analysis of their cumulative impacts.

Earlier this year, the coalition provided a roadmap for lasting outcomes from HCI. Since 2014, over two million people have urged federal agencies to address these issues.

Kendra Pinto from Greater Chaco highlighted concerns about air quality due to pollutants from numerous wells. Julia Bernal from Pueblo Action Alliance emphasized involving frontline communities in decision-making processes related to landscape management.

Carol Davis from Native Organizers Alliance called for immediate action from DOI to stop new extraction permits and prioritize Tribal co-management for sustainable economic futures.

Rose Rushing from Western Environmental Law Center expressed hope that HCI will lead to meaningful outcomes for communities affected by oil and gas impacts.

Miya King-Flaherty of Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter noted that despite initial progress with HCI's announcement, much work remains due to existing oil and gas wells' impact on communities.

Rebecca Sobel from WildEarth Guardians sees HCI as an opportunity for cleanup efforts by the Biden Administration. Raena Garcia of Friends of the Earth urged Secretary Haaland to honor commitments made under HCI amid recent lease sales in plans affecting public lands.

Silas Grant with Center for Biological Diversity stressed phasing out fossil fuels on public lands as essential given historical extraction effects on land health across Greater Chaco region.