URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has nominated Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), raising immediate concerns about the future of America’s public lands. Pearce’s track record suggests a dangerous agenda to liquidate public assets, endangering 245 million acres that are vital to conservation, recreation, and local economies.
New reports confirm that Pearce, a former congressman from New Mexico, has long advocated for the privatization of national public lands. He has co-sponsored multiple bills aimed at selling off these vital resources, which many fear would lead to widespread environmental degradation and loss of public access.
In a shocking 2012 letter to congressional leaders, Pearce stated that the federal government owns “vast” land holdings that are “not even needed,” proposing a massive sell-off to reduce national debt. This vision for public lands reflects a troubling trend away from conservation, prioritizing profit over stewardship.
Pearce’s nomination comes amid a broader push from the Trump administration to monetize public lands through drilling, mining, and logging. Key officials like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have been identified as advocates for this aggressive approach. If confirmed, Pearce would likely accelerate efforts to liquidate lands to the highest bidder, including corporations.
This nomination also serves as a litmus test for the newly formed Senate Stewardship Caucus, co-chaired by Republican Tim Sheehy of Montana and Democrat Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. Their mission is to promote bipartisan efforts to conserve national lands. With Pearce’s nomination, the caucus faces its first major challenge. If they cannot reject a nominee with a record of undermining public lands, their commitment to stewardship will be called into question.
The stakes are astronomical. As rural communities rely on healthy public lands for economic stability, the implications of Pearce’s confirmation could be dire. Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts fear losing access to the lands they have cherished for generations.
The backlash against potential land sales has been swift. Recently, Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee attempted to include a public land sale provision in a budget bill, which would have mandated the sale of 2-3 million acres of BLM and Forest Service lands. The proposal faced immediate pushback from conservation and outdoor groups, leading to its abandonment.
Public sentiment against privatizing public lands is strong, and Pearce’s nomination has ignited widespread debate. If members of the Senate truly value the West’s outdoor heritage, they must oppose Pearce’s confirmation and reaffirm their commitment to preserving public lands for future generations.
As the Senate prepares to review Pearce’s nomination, now is the time for concerned citizens to voice their opposition and advocate for the protection of America’s natural heritage. The future of public lands hangs in the balance, as this nomination represents a critical moment in the ongoing battle for conservation versus exploitation.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
