Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill stops new oil and gas drilling, mining, and federal land sales in a large area surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. By creating this "buffer zone," the law aims to protect ancient ruins and sacred sites from being damaged by industrial equipment and pollution.
• The Greater Chaco region is famous for its 1,000-year-old multi-story buildings and a massive network of ancient roads. Many Native American Tribes, including the Navajo Nation and Pueblo groups, are descended from the people who lived there and still use the land today for religious ceremonies and cultural traditions.
• The policy specifically targets oil and gas contracts where drilling hasn't started yet. These leases will be allowed to expire naturally and cannot be extended, ensuring that once current activity stops, the land remains protected for the long term.
• Importantly, this law does not take away any mineral rights owned by Tribes or individual Native Americans. It also allows for the construction of necessary utilities like water lines, power grids, and roads to help people living in nearby communities.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.