Trump plan to allow drilling near US world heritage site sparks alarm
Summary
The Trump administration plans to allow oil and gas drilling near Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, a protected U.S. world heritage site. This move removes a drilling-free buffer zone and has raised concerns from UNESCO, conservationists, tribal leaders, and others about potential environmental and cultural damage.Key Facts
- The plan removes a 10-mile (16 km) drilling-free buffer zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
- Chaco Culture site is a U.S. world heritage site with great cultural and historical importance.
- UNESCO says extractive activities like drilling threaten world heritage sites and must be assessed carefully.
- The U.S. has 27 world heritage sites, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Statue of Liberty.
- President Trump supports expanding fossil fuel drilling and has called the U.S. the largest oil and gas holder worldwide.
- The Everglades is currently listed as a world heritage site “in danger” from pollution and development.
- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed the policy change to allow drilling near Chaco.
- The plan received around 100,000 mostly critical public comments in a 14-day period.
- Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland opposed removing the buffer zone, citing potential irreversible damage.
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