(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) The Biden administration recently introduced another ban on oil and gas drilling leases, this time on any land within 10 miles of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
According to the Daily Caller, politicians worked towards the moratorium for several years in order to preserve the historic Pueblo ruins in the area of the tribe.
The local tribes have varying opinions on the matter. Some would like to preserve the ruins, others hope to lift the ban for future economic opportunities.
Deb Haaland, secretary of the interior, lobbied to end drilling in the areas surrounding the park with a group known as the Pueblo Action Alliance, which her daughter is a part of. Reports indicated that the group referred to Haaland as “Auntie Deb,” indicating that she was very close with members of the partisan group.
“Efforts to protect the Chaco landscape have been ongoing for decades, as Tribal communities have raised concerns about the impacts that new development would have on areas of deep cultural connection,” said Haaland in a statement.
“Today marks an important step in fulfilling President Biden’s commitments to Indian Country, by protecting Chaco Canyon, a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors have called this place home since time immemorial.”
At the beginning of his administration, Biden promised to preserve 30% of federal lands and waters by 2030. The administration, partnering with the Department of the Interior, recently prevented drilling efforts throughout much of Alaska and opened up leases to conservation groups for restoration purposes.
After banning drilling for oil and gas in Alaska and sending oil to China, Biden went to the Middle East to beg for oil. After being humiliated in his quest, Biden raided the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to dangerously and historically low levels.
Representatives from Alaska lobbied Biden to bring drilling back to the state in the form of the Willow Project, which would produce an estimated 188,000 barrels of oil per day.
Haaland opposed the project, but GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Mary Peltola supported the measure.
“Where’s the racial justice and racial equity for the Indigenous people of Alaska? They’re the biggest proponents of this project,” Sullivan said.
