Preserve the Traditional Cultural Place Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District Act

Preservation of Sacred Lands: The bill directs the Secretary to preserve the natural condition of the land and protect the physical and cultural integrity of the Chi'chil Bimdagoteel Historic District (Section 5(a)). This protects a site used by Western Apaches and at least 9 Tribes for religious ceremonies, gathering medicines, and honoring ancestors (Section 2(2), 2(9)(A)).

Protection of Water and Ecosystems: The act prohibits activities that could adversely affect water resources, wildlife, flora, or ecosystems (Section 5(a)(3)). This addresses concerns regarding the dewatering of local aquifers and the consumption of massive amounts of groundwater (Section 2(16), 2(18)(A)).

Prevention of Environmental Hazards: By prohibiting mining-related activities, the bill seeks to prevent the construction of toxic waste pipelines and the creation of a massive toxic waste dump (Section s 5(b), 2(17), 2(18)(B)).

Tribal Access and Agency: The bill mandates that the Secretary engage in government-to-government consultations with Indian Tribes and enter into cooperative agreements to ensure tribes can access the land for traditional activities (Section 5(c)).

Restriction of Land Use: The bill withdraws the land from all forms of entry, appropriation, disposal, and mining/geothermal leasing (Section 4). This prevents the extraction of copper located beneath the district (Section 2(12)).

Economic Impacts on Mining Interests: The legislation prohibits all mining-related activities, including rights-of-way, utility development, and road expansion (Section 5(b)), which impacts the planned operations of Resolution Copper (Section 2(16)).