Sponsors (10)
The bill trades off potential local economic and infrastructure development and some legal/administrative complications for strong statutory protection of Indigenous sacred sites, cultural resources, water supplies, and ecosystems on thousands of acres of National Forest land.
Western Apache and other Indigenous tribes (at least nine Tribes) gain formal statutory recognition and prioritized preservation of the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel historic district and sacred places, strengthening tribal cultural rights and legal standing.
Thousands of acres of cultural and archaeological resources and the natural condition of the historic district are protected from mining and related destruction, preserving heritage and long-term conservation value.
Springs, aquifers, surface water and downstream communities’ water supplies are better protected, reducing the risk of long‑term toxic contamination and improving public health and safety for nearby rural and urban populations.
Residents, workers, and local economies forfeit potential jobs and economic activity tied to the proposed mining and related development due to bans on claims, leases, and mineral extraction.
Local governments and taxpayers may lose expected tax revenue, royalties, and federal/state leasing income that would have come from mineral and geothermal development.
Removing lands from mineral and geothermal eligibility and prohibiting new claims could constrain future energy, pipeline, and infrastructure projects, limiting options for regional development and services.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Withdraws specified National Forest land in the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District from mining and development and requires the Secretary to preserve it as a traditional cultural place.
Introduced March 17, 2026 by Adelita S. Grijalva · Last progress March 17, 2026
Protects and preserves the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel (Oak Flat) area on Tonto National Forest land by withdrawing National Forest System land in the historic district from mining, mineral leasing, and other development and by directing the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain its natural and cultural condition. It requires government-to-government consultation with Tribes, authorizes cooperative agreements to ensure tribal access for traditional uses, and broadly prohibits mining-related infrastructure, roads, utility lines, waste disposal, and other activities that would harm the landscape, water, wildlife, or cultural resources.