Albuquerque, N.M. • Federal legislation aimed at limiting oil and gas development near a national park in New Mexico held sacred by Native Americans has been endorsed by a key congressional committee.
The House natural resources panel on Wednesday approved the Democrat-sponsored bill. A similar measure is pending in the Senate.
Tribes and environmentalists have been advocating for more protections beyond the boundaries of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, saying the region is full of culturally significant sites.
The legislation would permanently ban drilling on federal land within 10 miles of the park.