S. 1412: Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

This proposed legislation, known as the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025, aims to protect certain federal lands in New Mexico that hold significant cultural and historical value, particularly related to the Chacoan people and their descendants. Below are the main components of the bill:

1. Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to withdraw and protect federal land in the Greater Chaco region, which encompasses areas with substantial archaeological, sacred, and historic resources. It addresses concerns over natural gas development and potential oil exploration that could negatively impact these cultural resources.

2. Findings

Congress recognizes several key points:

• The Greater Chaco region contains important archaeological sites, including the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site.
• Many Native American tribes, including Pueblo and Navajo nations, have cultural ties to the Chacoan people and have continued their ceremonial practices in this region.
• Natural gas development is prevalent in the region, affecting local communities and cultural heritage.
• Existing protection efforts are in place, but there is a need for additional measures to safeguard the landscape and resources surrounding the historical park.

3. Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill includes several significant measures:

• Withdrawal of Federal Lands: The bill withdraws federal lands from entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, effectively placing them off-limits for new mineral leasing and development activities.
• Oil and Gas Lease Management: It automatically terminates non-productive oil and gas leases (those for which drilling has not commenced and which are not generating revenue) and prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from extending these leases further.
• Protection for Tribal Rights: The bill ensures that it does not affect the mineral rights of tribes or individual tribal members on trust or allotment lands.
• Conveyance of Land to Tribes: The Secretary of the Interior may convey or exchange federal land with tribal entities, subject to approved resource management plans.

4. Map Availability

A Withdrawal Map illustrating the affected areas will be available for public inspection at Bureau of Land Management offices, ensuring transparency and access to information regarding the land being protected under this act.

5. Consideration of Existing Rights

The bill specifies that any actions taken under it will be subject to valid existing rights, ensuring that current land leases or permits that are lawful prior to the bill’s enactment are not disrupted.

Relevant Companies

• CNX Resources Corporation (CNX): This company could be affected as it has operations related to natural gas in the region that might be impacted by new restrictions on mineral leasing.
• Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK): This company's interests in oil and gas exploration in the Greater Chaco region may also face challenges due to the protection measures proposed in this legislation.
• Southwestern Energy Company (SWN): Similar to CNX and CHK, this company may experience operational limitations in the area due to the withdrawal of lands from leasing activities.