SANTA FE, N.M. — Removing protections for the Greater Chaco Canyon Region is an intentional disregard for the profound spiritual, cultural, and archaeological significance of the land. The proposal would reopen more than 330,000 acres of public lands included in the 10-mile buffer zone around the park, consign irreplaceable landscapes to oil and gas development, and disproportionately harm Indigenous Peoples.

“This underhanded attempt at selling off public lands and its seven-day comment period over major religious holidays cannot be dismissed as a simple, economic transaction,” said the Rev. Andrew Black, director of lands and waters for the National Wildlife Federation. “The current 10-mile buffer contains thousands of Indigenous artifacts and sacred sites that could be destroyed if the Greater Chaco Canyon Region is opened to development, including water pollution that harms the ecological integrity of the landscape.”

“Opening up the Greater Chaco Region to reckless oil and gas drilling means an irreplaceable crown jewel of New Mexico public lands – home to thousands of archaeological and cultural sites of deep importance – will be at needless risk of destruction. This misguided decision means that all sorts of oil and gas wells, pipelines and infrastructure will degrade these sacred lands, pollute the air we breathe and the water we drink – jeopardizing public health, wildlife, and the longevity of traditions and cultures that are inextricably linked to this region,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.