Good Monday Morning!
Here are some articles you may have missed this weekend:
A proposal that would expand energy development on 336,425 acres around Chaco Culture National Historical Park initiated a sudden 7-day public comment period that prompted “approximately 70,000 comments” on the matter, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
A BLM spokesperson said the federal agency completed the first public comment period on April 7, and that there will be another opportunity to gather public input “on a future draft environmental assessment.”
The BLM did not share details on the types of comments received or whether it planned to review any National Environmental Policy Act exemption options authorized April 9 by the nearly formed Council on Environmental Quality.
What You Need to Know About Tribal Sovereignty and Birthright Citizenship
In April 2026, the issue of Native American citizenship came up at the U.S. Supreme Court. While Native Americans are undoubtedly citizens of the United States today, the history of how that came to be is important. Here’s what you need to know:
Tribal sovereignty has always existed
Tribal Nations have long been recognized as separate, sovereign governments. This has been true since before the United States was created and is still true today. Tribal Nations have their own lands, governments, and citizens.
Are Native Americans birthright citizens?
These issues came up in the Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara. During the argument, Justice Gorsuch asked the attorney for the United States whether Native Americans have constitutional birthright citizenship under its legal theory. The government did not give a clear answer. While Native Americans are undoubtedly citizens of the United States today, the history of how that came to be is important.