"Rep. Deb Haaland’s road to confirmation as the nation’s first Native American Interior secretary is likely to pass through New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon.

The sacred and historic site is at the nexus of fossil fuels, environmental justice, and conservation issues likely to be raised at the Senate confirmation hearing for Haaland (D-N.M.). The nomination has run into Republican objections over her stances on oil and gas drilling.

Tribes from Alaska to New Mexico have frequently objected to what they say is the Interior Department’s past failure to consult with tribal officials on proposed oil and gas development and other industrial activities on federal land, including around Chaco. That frustration has touched off dozens of lawsuits—and legal experts say more are likely if things don’t change.

The tribes and environmental groups are looking to Haaland and her efforts to protect the Chaco area in order to gain a greater voice in federal oil, gas, and mining decisions. "

Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Environment February 10, 2021. [2]