A federal scoping period ends April 7 which could result in new oil and gas drilling near New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

The Department of the Interior opened a weeklong public comment window April 1 on plans to revoke Biden-era protections prohibiting new mineral development in the Greater Chaco Region. Currently, 336,000 acres surrounding the park in the state's northwest corner are protected from drilling.

Maude Dinan, New Mexico program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, said historically, 30 to 60 days have been allowed for public comment.

"Seven days is quite a stark contrast," Dinan observed. "It's also over one of the holiest weeks that many interfaith communities are celebrating this week."

Christians celebrated Easter on Sunday and the Jewish observance of Passover continues through April 9. Dinan pointed out it took nearly two years to establish 20-year protections for Chaco in 2023, which included the equivalent of 150 days for public comment.

Chaco was the center of the ancestral Puebloan culture from 850 to 1,200 AD. It includes the tribe's great houses, kivas, rock art and stunning vistas and is one of only 26 UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites in the United States.

Dinan argued reopening Greater Chaco to more drilling could rob future generations from experiencing a sacred landscape known for its dark night skies and significant archaeological ruins.

"This sends a dangerous message that no place, no matter how valuable, is off limits to oil and gas drilling," Dinan added. "Energy development shouldn't cost us our national parks and monuments."

Next month, oil and gas leases will be offered up to companies for new drilling at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the state's southeastern corner, some within a mile of the park boundary. The change creates worries about a drinking water shortage and even contamination because an aquifer runs through the caves of the park.

Source: Public News Service