Story perspectives

Trump Faces Pressure to Protect Chaco Canyon from Oil Drilling

11/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces pressure from 19 Pueblo governors to preserve Chaco Canyon protections.
They cite an Interior Department letter proposing changes under the Unleashing American Energy order.
The 10-mile buffer zone currently bans new oil and gas projects for 20 years.
Tribal leaders criticized the expedited review and communication gaps during the shutdown.
Senator Ben Ray Luján and Representative Melanie Stansbury call for sacred-site protection and government consultation.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces pressure from 19 Pueblo governors to preserve Chaco Canyon protections.
They cite an Interior Department letter proposing changes under the Unleashing American Energy order.
The 10-mile buffer zone currently bans new oil and gas projects for 20 years.
Tribal leaders criticized the expedited review and communication gaps during the shutdown.
Senator Ben Ray Luján and Representative Melanie Stansbury call for sacred-site protection and government consultation.