Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, center, tours Chaco Culture National Historical Park on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico is at Bernhardt’s right. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is on his left.
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. land managers are open to legislation that would limit federal leases for oil and natural gas development near a national park in New Mexico held sacred by Native Americans.
Bureau of Land Management Deputy Director of Operations Michael Nedd told members of a congressional subcommittee Wednesday that the agency had no objection to the bill.
The agency shifted its stance after a recent visit by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Bernhardt said the agency will defer leases within 10 miles of the park over the next year while regulators prepare a new management plan for the region’s resources.
