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The Navajo Nation’s legal effort to block a Biden administration order withdrawing U.S. land from new mineral leasing and development near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park has been temporarily paused. A New Mexico federal judge has issued a 90-day hold on the case to allow for a review of the land withdrawal order.

U.S. District Court Judge Gregory B. Wormuth granted the stay in response to a joint motion filed by both parties, enabling the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to reconsider Public Land Order No. 7239. This 2023 order withdrew over 336,000 acres from new oil and gas leasing within a 10-mile buffer zone surrounding the historic site.

The pause follows Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s issuance of Secretarial Order 3418 directing a review of public lands previously withdrawn from leasing, in line with President Donald Trump’s 2017 Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy.”

The Navajo Nation filed suit on January 17, challenging the Biden administration’s withdrawal order, arguing it causes significant financial harm to tribal allottees reliant on mineral royalties. The Nation advocates for a reduced 5-mile buffer zone as a compromise to the existing 10-mile restriction.

Judge Wormuth also allowed the Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna to intervene in the lawsuit, emphasizing the complex interests surrounding historic preservation and tribal cultural resources.

The litigation’s temporary hold underscores ongoing efforts to balance energy development, environmental protections, and tribal economic interests. The case will remain paused for 90 days as the DOI reviews the land withdrawal order, potentially addressing the Navajo Nation’s concerns.

Case: The Navajo Nation v. U.S. et al., No. 1:25-cv-00055, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.

Media Contacts:

• Navajo Nation Counsel: Debashree Nandy, Sarah A. Murray, Bella Sewall Wolitz – Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP

• U.S. Department of Justice Counsel: Andrew A. Smith, Environment and Natural Resources Division