Interior gives reprieve on drilling near Chaco Canyon
Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, New Mexico
Mason Cummings, The Wilderness Society
Chaco Canyon region will be protected for now from drilling
(May 29, 2019)This week, Senator Martin Heinrich (NM) announced that he has obtained a commitment from the Interior secretary to protect Chaco Canyon from harmful drilling. Interior’s reprieve is not permanent however, and ultimately Congress must pass legislation to shield the Chaco region from the dangers of drilling near this fragile historic site.
The following statement is from Michael Casaus, New Mexico state director for The Wilderness Society:
“We’re grateful to Senator Heinrich for helping Secretary Bernhardt see why the greater Chaco landscape deserves protection. Today’s news is a welcomed reprieve from the threats facing these culturally significant lands, and we need to see legislation moving forward that protects the Chaco region from drilling and mining forever. Senators Heinrich and Udall have put forward that legislation, and companion legislation has been introduced by Representatives Lujan and Haaland. Now we need to see the Administration supporting the legislation and managing the entire landscape to protect both its history and living communities.”
For more information, visit the Too Wild to Drill Chaco information website.
Contact: Tony Iallonardo, 202-503-8581, tony_iallonardo@tws.org
