On March 2, the Interior Department announced the cancellation of an oil and gas lease sale near Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northern New Mexico. The decision halted plans to auction 4,434 acres in the Greater Chaco region for fracking, a move that would have increased pollution and posed risks to ancient ruins considered sacred by Indigenous Nations.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) initially planned to proceed with the leases based on an outdated Resource Management Plan. This plan was developed before new fracking methods were viable in the area and lacked substantial Tribal consultation or consent from the Navajo Nation and Pueblos.

Public opposition led to BLM's decision to cancel the lease sale until further consultations with Tribes and local leaders occur. The cancellation followed significant public resistance, including 459 administrative protests against the March auction—an unprecedented number for such a sale in New Mexico. Entities like the Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors, National Congress of American Indians, 15 Navajo Chapter Houses, New Mexico Legislature, and over 400,000 citizens called for a drilling moratorium pending analysis of health, cultural, and environmental impacts. Additionally, Senators Udall and Heinrich along with Representatives Lujan Grisham and Luján opposed drilling activities in this region.

The Frack Off Chaco Coalition, Pueblo Action Alliance, Dine-Pueblo Youth Solidarity, and The Red Nation had organized events across New Mexico protesting the March 8 online auction. Despite the cancellation, events in Albuquerque and Santa Fe will continue to emphasize proper planning and consultation during resource management planning.

This marks the first major deferral of an oil and gas lease sale under Zinke’s administration within the federal leasing program. Advocates for Greater Chaco view this as a step toward respecting tribal sovereignty and safeguarding public health on public lands.

Statements from community members included remarks by Daniel Tso from Counselor Citizens HIA- Hózhóógó na’adá Committee; Jim Mackenzie; and Tom Solomon from 350 New Mexico Co-Coordinators.

Contact information is available for Daniel Tso at (505) 258-6178; Samuel Sage at (505) 360-2090; Rebecca Sobel at (267) 402-0724; Miya King-Flaherty at (505) 301-0863.