Navajo community members, alongside Indigenous leaders from Northern Pueblos and supporters across the American Southwest, recently gathered at the final of eight public hearings to express concerns over oil and gas drilling in the Greater Chaco region of northwestern New Mexico. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acknowledged that its 2003 management plan does not adequately protect the area's water, air, climate, and Indigenous communities from fracking. In response, BLM has collaborated with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to revise the plan and held public hearings to gather tribal input.

During a hearing on November 10 at Shiprock Chapter House, BLM officials left as members attempted to comment on fracking impacts. This action was criticized as disrespectful, prompting BLM to change its meeting format to allow for public comments.

Daniel Tso, a former Torreon Chapter Council Delegate and allotment landowner who has spoken at each hearing, expressed hope for traditional tribal input in BLM’s policies. “This planning process is seen as a ‘look Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Affairs are listening to the affected communities,’” he stated. “But the 2003 plan was never taken to these same communities. The Navajo people never had a say in the original plan.”

Currently, 91% of public land in Northwest New Mexico is leased for oil and gas purposes. Despite insufficient tribal consultation or environmental review, BLM continues granting new drilling permits and leasing additional land. An online auction scheduled for January will offer another 842 acres for sale.

Lyla June Johnston, a Diné/Cheyenne member of the Naanessht’ezhi Taach’iinii clan remarked, “If the nation truly views all people as created equal, then the nation will heed our call for protection of this land for current and future generations."

Communities near new fracking sites face significant impacts without promised economic benefits. With potential policy shifts under a new administration favoring fossil fuel interests, Indigenous efforts are increasing to safeguard natural resources.

The Greater Chaco region suffers from severe environmental damage due to oil and gas activities. It is home to the nation's largest methane hotspot; received an "F" grade from the American Lung Association in 2016 due to smog pollution causing numerous asthma attacks among children; and experiences frequent disasters like explosions and spills.

A coalition comprising various groups and Navajo Chapters has repeatedly called for immediate intervention in Greater Chaco. They advocate for a moratorium on drilling until comprehensive analysis concludes while urging investment into alternative development plans.

The BLM's mandate requires balancing public land uses but has long favored oil production over other considerations such as public health or environmental safety within Greater Chaco where most lands are industry-leased.