The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a new environmental assessment for Chaco Canyon, proposing to reopen over 336,000 acres to mineral leasing and mining. The proposal is not final and is currently open for a 14-day public comment period.

Background

The assessment is tied to former President Donald Trump’s ‘Unleashing American Energy’ executive order and lays out three options: keeping the current 10-mile buffer in place, shrinking it to five miles, or removing it entirely. The BLM’s preferred alternative is to remove the buffer, reopening all 336,404 acres to mining and mineral leasing.

BLM Director Steve Pearce argues that reopening the area could bring economic benefits, citing the state’s significant role in federal energy leasing. ‘The Land of Enchantment hosts the most prolific oil and gas properties on BLM in the entire country,’ Pearce said.

Opposition

The All Pueblo Council of Governors strongly opposes removing the protections, with Chairman and Santa Ana Pueblo Governor Joey Sanchez stating, ‘Pueblo governors have invited Secretary Burgum to come to Chaco and see it. Our governors and lieutenant governors carried this to Washington themselves. We have not been answered.’ Acoma Pueblo Gov. Charles Riley also expressed concerns, saying, ‘This is really the worst-case scenario… I would just really encourage everybody to really think about what’s happening in this country, and to make sure that they stay informed on it.’

The public comment period ends July 29, 2026. After reviewing comments, the BLM will prepare a final report and make a decision on the future of protections around Chaco Canyon.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.