Chellie Pingree: “This amendment prohibits the withdrawal for 20 years of public lands surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical…”

“This amendment prohibits the withdrawal for 20 years of public lands surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park from mineral leasing in order to protect these lands and the greater connected landscape in New Mexico with a rich Puebloan and Tribal nation legacy from the impacts associated with oil and gas development activities. It does not impact valid existing rights nor non-Federal interests in the area that will be withdrawn. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez).”