Energy Opportunities for All Act
This bill, Energy Opportunities for All Act (H.R. 606), would cancel Public Land Order No. 7923, which currently withdraws lands around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in San Juan County, New Mexico from mineral entry. By removing that withdrawal, the lands would again become available for mineral exploration and mining under federal law, subject to existing environmental, cultural, and permitting requirements. The bill was introduced in the House (January 22, 2025) by Representative Crane and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. In short, its purpose appears to be to expand energy/mineral development opportunities by restoring the ability to pursue mineral activity on those lands. Potential impacts include increased mineral development and related economic activity, but also greater considerations for environmental protection, cultural resources, and the interests of local communities and Indigenous groups near Chaco Canyon.
Key Points
- 1Short title: Energy Opportunities for All Act.
- 2Section 2: Nullifies Public Land Order No. 7923, which had withdrawn land around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park from mineral entry.
- 3Effect of nullification: Lands that were previously off-limits to mineral entry would become eligible for mineral exploration and mining, under applicable laws and regulations.
- 4Legislative status: Introduced in the U.S. House on January 22, 2025; referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
- 5Budget/funding: The text does not authorize funding or specific energy projects; it simply reverses the withdrawal status to allow mineral entry.