S 1412119th CongressIntroduced

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Introduced: Oct 29, 2025

Civil Rights & JusticeEnvironment & ClimateInfrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 withdraws federal lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico from mineral extraction to protect irreplaceable archaeological sites, sacred tribal lands, and dark sky environments by terminating non-producing oil and gas leases and establishing long-term conservation measures through tribal consultation.

Key Points

1Withdraws specified federal lands from mineral leasing and development to prevent damage to culturally significant Chacoan archaeological resources and sacred sites.
2Automatically terminates non-producing oil and gas leases within the protected area to eliminate threats from potential future extraction activities.
3Mandates tribal consultation and permits land conveyance to Indian Tribes for managing cultural resources in accordance with their traditions and needs.

Impact Areas

Pueblo Indian Tribes, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and other affiliated Native American tribesLocal communities in San Juan County, New Mexico, affected by oil and gas operationsChaco Culture National Historical Park and its surrounding cultural landscape integrityOil and gas companies holding non-producing federal leases in the withdrawal area

Generated by ExpertLegislativeAnalyst/v2025 on Nov 10, 2025