Last week, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) reintroduced the Energy Opportunities for All Act, which would nullify the Biden admin’s overreaching actions that ban American citizens from lawfully exercising the rights over their lands and resources.

Last Congress, the House Committee on Natural Resources voted to advance the bill in a bipartisan fashion. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren testified before the committee in support of the bill before committee passage.

A supporter of the bill, Navajo Nation President Nygren said, “I appreciate Rep. Eli Crane for introducing this piece of legislation. The Navajo Nation continues to be an energy-producing tribal Nation. I support the Navajo people having a say in how their land and minerals are developed. In this case, the Navajo allottees have an important right to have their voices heard.”

“Secretary Haaland and President Biden engaged in selective sovereignty driven by extremists with no concern for Navajo interests or the energy needs of all Americans,” said Rep. Crane.“I’m proud to reintroduce this bill that would invalidate the Biden admin’s meddlesome ban. Together, with the Trump Administration, I’m confident we will be able to advance tribal interests, unleashing energy sovereignty and prosperity.”

Background 

In June of 2023, the Biden Administration issued a Public Land Order banning approximately 336,404.42 acres of federal mineral estate surrounding the Chaco Canyon National Historical Park for 20 years. This effectively prevents all private landowners and Navajo allottees from mineral leasing land in this area.

The ban will have significant negative economic impacts on both Navajo Nation and the American taxpayer by severely limiting tribal revenue, economic development, self-sufficiency, and American energy production.

Chaco Canyon carries both cultural and historical significance for communities in the region. The development of this land should be determined by those with lawful sovereignty – not out-of-touch Biden admin officials hellbent on imposing their radical agenda on tribal communities.

Interestingly, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, when serving in Congress, had complained that “the Trump administration failed to fulfill its legal and moral obligation to consult with Native Americans,” while working on a lease sale that was ultimately deferred.

The Biden Administration, of which Secretary Haaland was a part, chose to impose an unprecedented blockade on Native mineral rights and refused to listen to Navajo Nation’s concerns.