SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard released the following statement today in response to the Trump administration’s continued efforts to end federal protections in the 10-mile buffer zone surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park. The administration is considering revoking Public Land Order No. 7923, which withdrew about 336,404 acres of federal land in the Greater Chaco region from new mineral leasing.
The Bureau of Land Management opened a 14-day public comment period on July 15 as it considers revoking these federal protections. Comments are due July 29.
Public comments can be submitted here.
View Commissioner Garcia Richard’s Public Comment Letter to BLM
As one of her first acts in office, Commissioner Garcia Richard issued an executive order to remove 72,776 acres of state land in the 10-mile buffer zone from future mineral leasing. She reissued the executive order in 2023, so it will remain in place until December 31, 2043.
Below is a statement from Commissioner Garcia Richard:
“Yet again, the Trump administration is showing a complete disregard for Indigenous cultures and for New Mexicans in general. Chaco Canyon is one of the most special places on the planet, cherished by the state’s Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes, and it deserves to be protected at all costs. That’s why I committed to protecting the state lands in the Greater Chaco Region immediately upon taking office. Offering only 14 days for public comment with no public meeting proves that the Trump administration doesn’t really care what the public thinks. Under my direction, the State Land Office is looking into administrative options to make the protections for state lands in the Greater Chaco Region more permanent and binding. New Mexicans love Chaco Canyon, and we will keep fighting to protect it from vicious attacks like this one. I call on every New Mexican to make their voice heard on this critical threat.”
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Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has earned over $15 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.