What does Preamble of Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to provide for the withdrawal and protection of certain Federal land in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS. of Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Greater Chaco region, spanning New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a World Heritage Site, is recognized for its ancient structures and historical significance as a cultural center. The region contains extensive archaeological resources, including roads, villages, shrines, and communications sites, many of which are linked to the Chacoan people. Several Pueblos and Indian Tribes claim cultural affiliation with and descent from the Chacoan people. The area around the park includes numerous significant cultural resources, some of which are protected under the Chacoan Outliers Protection Act of 1995. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is recognized for its exceptional night skies and has implemented protection initiatives, including being certified as an International Dark Sky Park. The Greater Chaco region encompasses local communities, including Pueblo Indian Tribes, the Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Tribe, as well as public and private lands. The Federal Government has a history of recognizing the importance of the area, designating sites like Chaco Canyon and the Aztec Ruins as National Monuments and Historical Parks. Executive Order 13175 outlines the standard for Tribal consultation. Natural gas development and renewed oil exploration pose potential impacts to cultural resources, the environment, and local communities. A mineral withdrawal around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park is suggested to protect resources and visitor experiences. Additional studies and protective measures are recommended to address impacts on communities and Tribal interests. The Greater Chaco region continues to be used for ceremonial and cultural purposes by various Tribes.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. A 'covered lease' is defined as an oil or gas lease on Federal land where drilling hasn't started before the primary term ends, is not producing in paying quantities, and isn't under a certified unit plan. ‘Federal land’ includes Federal land within the Chaco Cultural Heritage Withdrawal Area, as depicted on the Withdrawal Map, and land acquired by the Federal Government within that area after the Act's enactment. Trust land, as defined in 38 U.S.C. section 3765, is excluded from the definition of 'Federal land'. The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of the Interior. The 'Withdrawal Map' is a specific map prepared by the Bureau of Land Management and dated January 6, 2022, referenced in a notice published in the Federal Register.

What does WITHDRAWAL OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. of Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 do?

This section withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from various forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, mining laws, and mineral leasing laws. The Withdrawal Map will be available for inspection at Bureau of Land Management offices. The Secretary may convey or exchange the federal land to an Indian Tribe, consistent with existing resource management plans and applicable law. Non-producing oil and gas leases are automatically terminated and cannot be extended. Leases terminated, relinquished, or acquired by the United States are also withdrawn from entry, appropriation, and disposal. This section does not affect mineral rights of Indian Tribes or members of the Navajo Nation regarding trust or allotment land. Improvements or rights-of-way for water, power, utility, or road development are not precluded on the federal land.

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Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

Last updated: 4/10/2025 · Introduced: 4/10/2025

Author: Ben Luján (D-NM)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill withdraws specified federal land in New Mexico from resource extraction and disposal, as depicted on a designated map, to protect cultural and historical resources.
Oil and gas leases that are not producing and have not started drilling before the end of their primary term will be automatically terminated.
The Secretary of the Interior may convey or exchange the withdrawn federal land to an Indian Tribe, adhering to existing resource management plans and applicable laws.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 2861(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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