New Mexico leaders oppose federal moves on public lands
Source NM reported that officials, tribes and advocates opposed drilling and mining changes near Chaco, Upper Pecos and Canjilon
New Mexico officials, tribal leaders and advocates said they will oppose recent federal actions to expand oil, gas and mining activity on public lands, according to Source NM.
In recent weeks, federal officials moved to end a ban on oil and gas drilling near Chaco Culture National Historical Park and reverse a mining ban in the Upper Pecos headwaters. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, along with Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, also opposed a proposal to mine uranium near Canjilon and requested delays on federal review.
Acoma Gov. Charles Riley said the pueblo submitted more than 400 public comments opposing changes near Chaco Canyon. “Chaco is not an abstract policy issue for us,” Riley was quoted as saying, calling it a cultural landscape central to Pueblo identity. He also raised concerns about a seven-day federal comment period, saying the process must be inclusive of tribal voices.
- 1.Danielle Prokop. Source NM, .