Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has directed the tribe's legal counsel to explore legal avenues following the Biden administration's ban on oil leasing near Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Nygren expressed strong disapproval of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's order, which prohibits new oil, gas, and mineral leasing within a 10-mile radius of the park for two decades. This ban directly affects Navajo allottees who rely on income generated from leasing their land, primarily to energy companies.
Nygren criticized the decision for disregarding the needs of local Navajo communities and potentially exacerbating poverty. He emphasized the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty and accused the administration of undermining it through this action. The president voiced his commitment to seeking justice for the affected communities and indicated that legal action is being actively considered.
Navajo allottees received these land parcels in the early 20th century as compensation for the reduction of the tribe's territory. Leasing these allotments, often for fossil fuel extraction, provides crucial income for many families. Navajo leaders, including Brenda Jesus, chair of the Navajo Nation Council's Resources & Development Committee, have highlighted the emotional and financial distress this ban will cause for those who depend on these resources.
The Navajo Nation estimates that the ban will impact 53 existing Indian allotments, generating $6.2 million annually for approximately 5,462 allottees. An additional 418 unleased allotments, associated with 16,615 allottees, are also within the restricted zone. Industry groups project even greater financial losses for Navajo members due to the ban.
Nygren questioned the administration's rationale for celebrating a policy that could worsen poverty within the Navajo Nation. He emphasized the economic struggles faced by many Navajo families and criticized the lack of alternative economic proposals to offset the anticipated income losses. He also expressed disappointment with the lack of meaningful consultation with the Navajo Nation and affected communities before implementing the ban.
While the Department of the Interior stated that existing leases and production won't be directly affected, critics argue that the ban effectively halts all future drilling. This is because drilling on Navajo allotments requires horizontal crossings through federal lands now included in the restricted zone. Nygren criticized Haaland for not considering the tribe's proposed compromise of a five-mile buffer zone, which would have offered some protection to the Chaco Canyon area while allowing continued economic activity on Navajo allotments.
Nygren anticipates protests during Haaland’s planned visit to Chaco Canyon and has resisted calls to block her access to Navajo roads. He reiterates his belief that the administration's actions contradict their stated commitment to tribal sovereignty.
