Make Your Voice Heard on Chaco
Dear Friend,
I wanted to be sure that you saw the news that the Biden administration just extended the deadline to submit a public comment on its proposal stop oil and gas leases within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historic Park. The new deadline for public comment is now Friday, May 6.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make your voice heard on why it is so important to protect the important cultural and religious sites and the sacred landscape of the greater Chaco region.
You can also email comments to the following email address: blm_nm_fm_ccnhp_area_withdrawal_comments@blm.gov.
PHOTO: Chaco Culture National Historical Park, May 28, 2019.
Since I’ve been in Congress, I’ve worked with Tribal leaders and New Mexicans to secure a series of actions that have prevented new oil and gas leasing in the vicinity of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Last year, I welcomed the Biden administration’s announcement that it will begin the process to protect the area within a 10-mile radius of Chaco Culture National Historical Park from new federal oil and gas leasing and development for the next 20 years.
I was the first member of the New Mexico congressional delegation to request this administrative withdrawal. I sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking that she begin the process. I remain grateful to President Biden and Secretary Haaland for taking this major first step to end the short-term policies that shift every year to the long-term certainty that this unique place will be protected.
I will keep doing everything I can to stand with Tribal Nations and all New Mexicans who have called for Chaco’s irreplaceable resources, including reintroducing legislation with my colleagues from the New Mexico delegation to permanently withdraw the federal lands around Chaco Canyon from further mineral development.
Chaco Canyon is one of the most precious landscapes on Earth and holds deep meaning for Tribes, Pueblos, and communities in northern New Mexico. We must protect it for future generations.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
United States Senator
