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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 2861

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Chaco Canyon: Protection of Sacred Tribal Lands

12 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. It is considered actively moving as it has been introduced and sent to committee for review. There are no upcoming floor votes scheduled at this time.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

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.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Apr 10, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Apr 10, 2025

Introduced in House

Related Bills

1 bill
S. 1412Identical bill

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Apr 10 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 2861
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 2

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.