Public Comment Period Ends July 29
On July 15, the US Dept of the Interior opened a 14-day public comment period on a draft Environmental Assessment that could pave the way for new oil and gas drilling on public lands surrounding Chaco. Pastor Andrew, other faith leaders, and NM officials are imploring Interior Dept not to drill in Chaco. You too can help. Submit your comment by July 29th.
The proposal by the Interior Department would reverse Public Land Order 7923, a landmark protection that withdrew 336,400 acres of federal lands and minerals surrounding Chaco from new oil and gas leasing for 20 years. If these protections are removed, new drilling and development could occur within 10 miles of the park’s boundaries—including on lands immediately adjacent to the park.
Chaco Canyon is far more than an archaeological site. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance for many Tribal Nations, and home to thousands of ancestral sites spread across the Greater Chaco Landscape. These sacred places tell the story of Indigenous communities whose connections to the land continue today.
Expanding oil and gas development would threaten irreplaceable cultural resources, wildlife habitat, clean air, dark night skies, and the integrity of a landscape that has endured for more than a thousand years.
As people of faith, we are called to care for God’s creation, honor Indigenous communities, and protect places of enduring cultural and spiritual importance.
Every signature demonstrates that Americans value our shared cultural heritage over short-term industrial development. Together, we can help preserve this sacred landscape for future generations.
Read more about the concerns raised by New Mexico’s officials, including quotes by Pastor Andrew in: NM officials implore Interior Department not to drill in Chaco by Roz Brown, 27th July 2026
Read the letter sent by the faith leaders: Chaco Canyon Faith Leaders Letter.
Take action by speaking up in this comment period, which ends July 29th. Submit your comment.