We need to act to ensure that political expediency doesn't undermine these existing protections, which are so essential to the economic and cultural vitality of the region.

It is my priority, as it should be that of the Trump administration, to permanently protect this place.

Let me be clear: uranium mining is important to the United States and world economy, but uranium contamination is not.

The Pueblo of Santa Ana thanks the Committee for the opportunity to testify on the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2019, H.R. 2181.

These are protections of sacred lands that would benefit the health and safety of many and the BLM has said it would not impact the rights of allottees.

For the protection of the cultural and historic knowledge, public health and our environment, the Navajo Nation supports the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act sponsored by Congressman Ben Ray Lujan as well as Senator Udall's…

This legislation would only withdraw over 900,000 acres, but would only withdraw 316,076 acres of oil, natural gas, coal, and other minerals.

Companies will simply be discouraged from developing the minerals on my behalf because it just doesn't make sense economically or technologically.

Our voices should and must be heard equally along with the environmental special interest groups.

It is a carefully thought-out community that our ancestors planned and executed over centuries.

I too care deeply about the Chaco cultural heritage. After all, I'm a Navajo who lives right in the Greater Chaco Region.

If BLM lands are withdrawn around our allotments, that means oil and gas companies cannot access our lands.

I am disappointed that the Department of the Interior, which is supposed to manage our mineral rights in trust to the benefit of my family and all other allottees, has stopped leasing for a full year.

It is the right thing to do.

We can't allow this to happen.

We are incredibly thankful that Chairman Grijalva is championing this issue.

This action would prevent the degradation of cultural resources, preserve the environment, and protect the health of the surrounding communities.

I believe the Chaco Protection Act will help our ancient land as well as our living communities.