Trump’s Plan to Allow Drilling Near New Mexico Heritage Site Sets off Global Alarm
This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. The Trump administration’s push to expand oil and gas extraction across the US is set to bring drilling near cherished natural and cultural sites, raising alarm among conservationists and prompting questions from the UN’s heritage body. UNESCO said it had received […]
The Trump administration's decision to allow oil and gas drilling near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico has sparked international alarm. This site, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is of immense cultural and historical significance to the indigenous Pueblo peoples. The park is home to ancient ruins and considered a dark skies area, providing an ideal location for stargazing.
The administration plans to remove a 10-mile buffer zone surrounding the park, which was established to protect it from industrial activity including drilling and uranium mining. This proposal has been met with strong opposition from a coalition of groups including tribal leaders, archaeologists, and environmental organizations.
They argue that drilling could lead to significant environmental harm, including air pollution, water contamination from fracking activities, and the loss of the pristine dark skies cherished by both the Pueblo people and modern stargazers.
Deb Haaland, the former Interior Secretary, has warned that removing the buffer zone would cause "irreversible damage." She criticized the administration's attempt to profit off the sacred site, showing a clear lack of respect for the people who live there. The historic park, which spans 336,400 acres, contains key cultural sites such as the ruins of ancient pueblos, making it a unique window into the past for visitors looking to connect with the ancient Pueblo people.
Critics argue that allowing oil and gas development near Chaco would introduce a toxic haze of air pollution and spoil views, risk water pollution from fracking activities, and disrupt the area's dark skies. Daniel Tso, a Navajo community leader, has expressed deep concern about the impact on his people. He points to existing allotments where the industry has shown "total disregard for the community and total disrespect for the landholders."
Tso fears similar outcomes if the buffer zone is removed, warning that sacred lands could be irreparably damaged.
The response to the administration's plan has been overwhelmingly negative, with 100,000 comments submitted in a 14-day period that closed in July. Despite this, the administration remains committed to expanding fossil fuel extraction across the US, viewing it as crucial for reviving the nation's economy. This plan threatens not just the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, but several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country, potentially putting them at risk as well.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
