Protect Our Public Lands

Biden administration announces 20 year drilling moratorium for Chaco Canyon

As the clock counted down on a one-year drilling moratorium around Chaco Canyon, more than 12,000 Environment America supporters spoke up to protect this desert wonder. 

As the clock counted down on a one-year drilling moratorium around Chaco Canyon, more than 12,000 Environment America supporters spoke up to protect this desert wonder. 

And on Nov. 15, we won: President Biden announced plans to enact a 20-year ban on oil drilling in the Greater Chaco area. A 20-year ban would protect Chaco Canyon’s delicate ecosystems, hundreds of unique desert species and 1,000-year-old historical sites. 

“This ban will give archaeologists more time to study the area, and generations of wildlife will have more space to live,” said Virginia Carter, Environment America public lands campaign associate. “Still, we can’t forget that while 20 years is a long time, it’s not forever. We fervently hope that this action is the first step toward permanent protection for the Greater Chaco Area.”

While the 20-year ban is certainly a major victory, Environment America will continue working to ensure the Greater Chaco area is protected permanently. 

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Learn more about Our Public Lands campaign. 

Photo: Chaco Canyon is home to 650 animal species. Credit: psyberartist via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 

Mary Katherine Moore
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