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In the first of five virtual meetings on a plan to increase drilling around Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, tribal members and conservationists slammed the Bureau of Land Management for plowing ahead during the coronavirus pandemic. Participants noted that many people impacted by the plan live in areas without broadband internet and with poor cellphone service, and pressed the agency to extend the public comment period.
BLM's proposal could lead to 1,800 new wells over the next 20 years, impacting the greater Chaco landscape, which was a hub of civilization nearly one thousand years ago and is viewed as sacred by nearby tribes.
Marissa Naranjo, policy director for the All Pueblo Council of Governors, stressed that tribal nations are focused on combatting the pandemic, and that the group's leadership would not be able to attend any of the virtual meetings. “The situation on the ground has only grown more dire since our first request,” said Naranjo, noting a surge of cases on the Navajo Nation and in nearby counties. BLM is currently set to stop taking public comments on May 28, then press forward with the plan.
Join the Road to 30 Virtual Tour
Next Tuesday, May 19 at 3:00pm ET, join the Center for Western Priorities and the Sierra Club to kick off a virtual road tour discussing the bold vision to protect 30 percent of America by 2030—a goal that can conserve nature, strengthen communities, and improve public health. We'll be joined by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala, both leaders in the effort to protect our natural heritage.
RSVP for details on how to join!
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