BLM gave the public 7 days to comment on revoking 20 years of protections for 336,400 acres near a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 71% of New Mexico voters oppose it.
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Call Your Representative
U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Here's what to say:
- I'm calling about the BLM proposal to revoke protections for 336,400 acres around Chaco Canyon.
- 71 percent of New Mexico voters oppose drilling near Chaco, including majorities across party lines. Over 20 Pueblos and the Navajo Nation have ancestral ties to this land.
- BLM gave the public only 7 days to comment and has not conducted the tribal consultation that federal law requires.
- I'm asking my representative to demand BLM maintain the full 10-mile buffer zone and complete government-to-government consultation with all affected tribes.
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Write Your Own Letter
Prefer to write in your own words? Use this as a starting point.
Dear [Senator/Representative name],
I am writing as a constituent from [city, state] about defend the chaco canyon protection zone from blm rollback.
71 percent of New Mexico voters oppose drilling near Chaco, including majorities across party lines. Over 20 Pueblos and the Navajo Nation have ancestral ties to this land.
BLM gave the public only 7 days to comment and has not conducted the tribal consultation that federal law requires.
The facts support this: 336,400 acres Protected land around Chaco Canyon that BLM is considering opening to drilling. 71% New Mexico voters who oppose energy development near Chaco Canyon. 7 days Public comment period BLM provided for a decision affecting 20 years of protections. 20+ Pueblos and tribal nations with ancestral ties to the Greater Chaco landscape.
I am asking you to take a public position on this issue and act accordingly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
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Key Facts to Mention
Use these in your letter, call, email, or social post.
- 336,400 acres Protected land around Chaco Canyon that BLM is considering opening to drilling
- 71% New Mexico voters who oppose energy development near Chaco Canyon
- 7 days Public comment period BLM provided for a decision affecting 20 years of protections
- 20+ Pueblos and tribal nations with ancestral ties to the Greater Chaco landscape
Preview the full letter
On March 31, 2026, the Bureau of Land Management opened a 7-day public comment period on revoking protections for 336,400 acres around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The protections created a 10-mile buffer zone blocking oil and gas leasing for 20 years. BLM is now considering revoking them entirely or reducing the buffer to five miles.
A Colorado College poll found 71 percent of New Mexico voters oppose energy development near Chaco Canyon, including majorities across party lines. New Mexico's congressional delegation issued a joint statement condemning the proposal. More than 20 Pueblos and the Navajo Nation have ancestral ties to the area. Multiple Pueblos have not received the government-to-government consultation that federal law requires before actions affecting tribal lands.
The Greater Chaco region sits atop the San Juan Basin. Existing wells already contaminate groundwater and air quality for Navajo communities living within the basin. Write your representatives and demand BLM maintain the full 10-mile buffer zone and conduct proper tribal consultation.
This action is part of our Environment coverage.