Story perspectives

Trump Plan Would Undo 2001 Roadless Rule and Chaco Buffer

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
It also proposed removing the 10-mile buffer around New Mexico’s Chaco Culture Park.
UNESCO said it received the buffer-removal plan and is awaiting a response.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called the roadless rule an “absurd obstacle” to development.
Former interior secretary Deb Haaland warned the buffer removal would cause irreversible damage.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
It also proposed removing the 10-mile buffer around New Mexico’s Chaco Culture Park.
UNESCO said it received the buffer-removal plan and is awaiting a response.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called the roadless rule an “absurd obstacle” to development.
Former interior secretary Deb Haaland warned the buffer removal would cause irreversible damage.