H.R. 2861: Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 proposes to withdraw and protect certain federal lands in New Mexico, particularly around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This area is significant for its archaeological, sacred, and historic resources, having been a central hub of the Chacoan culture between the 9th and 11th centuries.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Withdrawal of Federal Lands: The bill mandates the withdrawal of specific federal lands surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park from all forms of mining and mineral leasing activities. This includes stopping new oil and gas exploration in the area to help protect the park's cultural resources and visitor experiences.
• Protection of Cultural Resources: The legislation aims to safeguard the significant cultural resources of the Greater Chaco region, which includes many sacred sites used by local Native American tribes like the Pueblo Indians and the Navajo Nation.
• Termination of Non-productive Leases: The bill stipulates that certain oil and gas leases that are not producing oil or gas and that have not been used for drilling operations must be terminated automatically. The Secretary of the Interior cannot extend these leases.
• Transfer of Land to Indian Tribes: There is a provision that allows the federal government to transfer or exchange the withdrawn land with Indian Tribes, thereby promoting tribal management and stewardship of these culturally significant areas.
• Retaining Existing Rights: The bill clarifies that it does not affect the mineral rights of tribes or individual members related to trust land or allotment land, ensuring their rights remain intact.

Findings Supporting the Bill

Congress's findings highlight the historical importance of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the surrounding areas, noting the following:

• The Chaco Culture is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding cultural significance.
• The landscape encompasses numerous archaeological sites, including roads, villages, and shrines, many of which contribute to the cultural identity of local tribes.
• Protection of this region has been a federal priority for over a century, reflecting its recognized archaeological and cultural importance.
• Concerns are raised about ongoing natural gas development affecting local communities, their health, safety, and cultural practices.

Impact and Purpose

The primary goal of the legislation is to ensure the preservation of historical and cultural resources in the Greater Chaco region while addressing the concerns related to modern oil and gas exploration activities. The act seeks to balance the interests of cultural heritage conservation with the needs of local indigenous communities who continue to rely on and draw significance from these lands.

Relevant Companies

• CDEV (Callon Petroleum Company): This company could be impacted due to the withdrawal of areas from oil and gas leasing, potentially affecting their exploration and production capabilities in the surrounding regions.
• XEC (Cimarex Energy Co): With operations in the area, regulatory changes could limit their activities regarding mineral rights and new exploration permits.