New Mexico Extends Moratorium on Oil and Gas Leasing in Greater Chaco Area

SANTA FE, N.M. The New Mexico State Land Office, led by Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, has announced the extension of a moratorium on new oil and gas leasing in the Greater Chaco region. The extended order, effective through December 31, 2043, applies to 72,776 acres of state trust lands near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

“The Greater Chaco landscape is one of the most special places in the world, and it would be foolish not to do everything in our power to protect it,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “This region is significant for our Indigenous communities and the cultural properties found in the area are irreplaceable. Action at both the federal and state level is necessary to ensure we are protecting these special resources. Simply put, there is too much at stake for widespread oil and gas development to occur so close to Chaco. I’m grateful for the advice of our working group so far to ensure we are managing the lands surrounding the park in a way that honors their cultural importance.”

This decision follows the initial moratorium established in 2019 by Commissioner Garcia Richard and aligns with a similar 20-year federal ban on mineral leasing around Chaco announced by U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland earlier this year. The state-level extension is aimed at preventing new oil, gas, and mineral leasing activities in the designated area.

The Greater Chaco region is recognized for its cultural and archaeological significance, particularly to various Indigenous communities. The extended moratorium is part of ongoing efforts to manage and protect this area, considering its environmental and cultural importance.

Since the original moratorium in 2019, there have been no new leases for oil and gas development on the state trust lands in question. The renewal of the moratorium is seen as a continuation of this policy.

While the state moratorium restricts new leasing on state lands, it does not apply to existing operations or federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has continued to approve new fracking wells in the region, which has been a point of discussion among various stakeholders.

The State Land Office has emphasized its commitment to managing state lands in a way that considers various factors, including environmental protection and cultural preservation. The extension of the moratorium is part of this broader land management strategy.

“Today, is another historical day, a day that we have continue to pray for and work for to protect our sacred landscapes,” said Mark Mitchell, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors and former Governor of Tesuque Pueblo. “The Pueblos are living cultures. We rely on the land and her ecosystems to sustain our traditions. In particular, Chaco Canyon has been subject to unfettered oil and gas development for decades. We are deeply appreciative of State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard for reissuing Executive Order 2019-002, that will withdraw state lands and minerals within an approximate 10-mile radius surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park and its outliers. On behalf of APCG, we also acknowledge past and current tribal leadership for their work to ensure that the 2019 Executive order was extended. But our work is never done, we are thankful for this moment, but we pray that Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Region will be permanently protected. The permanent protection is not only for us, but for those who have yet to be born so they may continue to know that our roots, our cultures, our languages are tied to this sacred and irreplaceable area.”