Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025

# Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to protect the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area, an archaeological region in northwestern New Mexico containing ancient Native American ruins and artifacts. If passed, the legislation would likely restrict oil and gas development in and around this culturally significant area to preserve the archaeological sites and their historical value. The exact protections would be detailed in the full bill text, but such measures typically prevent or limit energy industry activities that could damage these irreplaceable cultural resources. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects the oil and gas industry operating in New Mexico, Native American tribes with historical ties to Chaco, environmental groups, local communities, and archaeology advocates.

Energy companies with existing or planned operations in the region would face new restrictions, while tribal nations and cultural preservation organizations would likely benefit from increased protection of these historically important sites. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee review, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) sponsors the legislation. The bill would need to pass committee review, a full House vote, Senate approval, and presidential signature to become law.