Sponsors (10)
This bill prioritizes federal recognition and strong protections for the sacred Oak Flat/Chí’chil Biłdagoteel—safeguarding tribal access, cultural resources, and environmental and public‑health values—at the cost of foreclosing certain mineral, energy, and development opportunities, with attendant local economic losses and possible legal and administrative burdens.
Indigenous tribal communities (Western Apache and others) gain formal federal recognition of Oak Flat/Chí’chil Biłdagoteel as a historic and sacred district and clearer eligibility under the National Register and NHPA, strengthening legal and procedural protections for cultural sites.
Tribal members and nearby residents are protected from new mining, leasing, and related development on the designated lands, preserving cultural and natural resources and reducing risks of groundwater loss, subsidence, toxic contamination, and long-term environmental damage.
Tribal communities retain access for traditional activities with required government-to-government consultation and cooperative agreements, helping preserve cultural practices and input into land management.
Workers and nearby rural communities risk losing jobs, wages, and local economic activity tied to the Resolution Copper and other potential mineral development because mining and related development are prohibited on the designated lands.
Limiting development at the site could reduce potential domestic copper supply and related industrial activity, with implications for manufacturers, utilities, and broader supply chains that rely on domestic copper.
Utilities, energy companies, and infrastructure projects lose the ability to secure rights‑of‑way, pipelines, or power infrastructure across the withdrawn National Forest land, which could constrain regional energy or transmission planning.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Withdraws National Forest System land in the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District from mining and other federal disposals and requires preservation and tribal consultation.
Introduced March 17, 2026 by Adelita S. Grijalva · Last progress March 17, 2026
Prohibits mining and many other federal land disposals on National Forest System land within the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel (Oak Flat) Historic District, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to preserve the area's natural and cultural integrity. Requires government-to-government consultation with Indian tribes and authorizes cooperative agreements to ensure tribal access for traditional activities and protection of sacred sites.