Rep. Crane Strikes Back: New Bill Aims to Reclaim Tribal Sovereignty from Biden’s Rule

By Matthew Holloway |

Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) has reintroduced a bill aimed at overturning Biden administration policies that he claims infringe upon the sovereignty of Native American property owners and tribal jurisdictions. In a recent press release, Crane criticized the administration, stating, “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.”

Crane expressed pride in proposing legislation to nullify what he termed a “meddlesome ban” and suggested that collaboration with the Trump Administration could help advance tribal interests and restore energy sovereignty.

The legislation responds directly to a 2023 Public Land Order that prohibits resource development on 336,404.42 acres of federal mineral estate surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park until 2043, effectively blocking Navajo citizens from benefiting from potential mineral leases on their own land.

Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley criticized this federal action, noting that the Navajo Nation had attempted to reach a compromise by proposing a smaller buffer zone. She remarked, “The Biden Administration has undermined the position of the Navajo Nation… impacting the livelihood of thousands of Navajo allotment owners and their families.”

The proposed Energy Opportunities for All Act seeks to invalidate Public Land Order No. 7923, declaring it to “have no force or effect.” This bill gained bipartisan support during the 117th Congress when the House Committee on Natural Resources voted to advance it following testimony from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Nygren expressed gratitude for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of the Navajo people’s voice in land and mineral development matters.

As a parallel effort, the Navajo Nation is also pursuing legal action against the Biden administration, having filed a lawsuit in New Mexico Federal Court. In the complaint, the tribe asserts that the imposed ten-mile buffer was determined without sufficient analysis or consultation with tribal members, questioning its validity in relation to the local landscape and its economic impact.

Navajo leaders allege that the previous administration made this controversial decision without engaging with the community, which is already facing significant economic challenges.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.