The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have declined requests to extend the public comment period for a contentious drilling plan in the Greater Chaco region. Instead, they will hold four virtual public meetings starting mid-May.

The proposal, which involves drilling between 2,345 and 3,101 new oil and gas wells, was announced on February 28, 2020. It came with a 90-day comment deadline ending on May 28, 2020. However, members of the Greater Chaco Coalition argue that holding virtual meetings takes advantage of shelter-in-place orders and limited internet access on Tribal lands.

Navajo Nation is currently facing significant challenges due to COVID-19. The region has one of the highest infection rates in the United States and is experiencing health risks exacerbated by existing fracking activities.

Despite multiple requests from entities such as New Mexico's congressional delegation, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, Navajo Nation Council delegate Daniel Tso, and the Greater Chaco Coalition for an extension or suspension of the comment period due to these health concerns, BLM remains committed to what it describes as "energy dominance agenda." This stance persists even amid record low oil prices that raise questions about the financial viability of further drilling.

The Trump Administration declared a national health emergency on March 13 due to COVID-19. This has disrupted daily life and impaired public engagement in oil and gas leasing activities.

Since 2013, over five hundred new fracking wells have been approved by BLM in Greater Chaco without analyzing impacts from new horizontal drilling technologies. This development has led to increased air pollution and industrial activity in previously untouched areas. During this time frame, various organizations including Navajo Nation leaders and over half a million citizens have called for protective measures for Greater Chaco's people and environment.

Members of the Greater Chaco Coalition—a group comprising more than 200 tribal, environmental, and community organizations—have consistently advocated against unchecked fracking at quarterly lease sales held by BLM offices in New Mexico since 2016.

The coalition demands a revised plan from BLM that fulfills previous commitments while calling for an immediate halt to all new fracking activities. They seek comprehensive assessments of health impacts on local communities along with economic alternatives that move away from reliance on extractive industries.