Bill Proposes Mineral Withdrawal on Federal Lands Around Chaco Culture Park

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 proposes withdrawing specific federal lands and mineral rights around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico from future development. This means blocking new entries under mining laws and preventing new leases for minerals, oil, gas, and geothermal energy within a designated zone. The bill aims to safeguard significant archaeological, cultural, and sacred sites tied to the Chacoan people and affiliated Tribes, while also addressing concerns about the impacts of energy development on the landscape and local communities.

Drawing the Line: What Land is Off-Limits?

The core of the Act establishes the "Chaco Cultural Heritage Withdrawal Area." The exact boundaries are defined by a specific Bureau of Land Management map dated January 6, 2022 (referenced as the "Withdrawal Map" in the bill). This withdrawal applies strictly to federal land and federal mineral rights within that area, including any lands the government might acquire there in the future. Importantly, Section 4 clarifies that this withdrawal does not affect the mineral rights held by any Indian Tribe pertaining to their trust or allotment lands within the region.

Leases Locked Down: Impact on Energy Development

Beyond preventing new development, the bill targets certain existing oil and gas leases on the federal lands within the withdrawal zone. Specifically, it addresses "covered leases" – defined as federal oil or gas leases where drilling hadn't started before the primary term ended, that aren't currently producing in paying quantities, and aren't part of an approved cooperative plan. Section 4 mandates that these non-producing leases will terminate automatically according to existing regulations (specifically citing Section 17(e) of the Mineral Leasing Act and 43 CFR 3108) and cannot be extended. Any federal land under a lease that terminates, is relinquished, or acquired by the U.S. after the Act passes also becomes subject to the withdrawal.

Protecting Heritage, Supporting Communities

The legislation explicitly recognizes the deep cultural ties of numerous Pueblo Indian Tribes, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and others to the Greater Chaco region, acknowledging its continued use for ceremonial purposes. While prioritizing protection, the bill includes provisions allowing the Secretary of the Interior to convey or exchange federal land within the area with an Indian Tribe, provided it aligns with approved resource management plans under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Furthermore, Section 4 stipulates that the withdrawal doesn't prevent the development of necessary infrastructure—like water, power, utility lines, or roads—that assists communities near the withdrawn federal land.