President Donald Trump has nominated Steve Pearce, a known conservation critic and former oil executive, to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). If confirmed, Pearce will oversee the management of public lands in the U.S., balancing conservation efforts with resource extraction and grazing. The Trump administration has been prioritizing resource extraction, approving over 600 new drilling permits on public lands since the government shutdown on October 1, according to a report by the Center for Western Priorities.
Environmental groups have criticized Pearce’s nomination, citing his record of supporting activities that contribute to global warming. Pearce, a veteran and former oilfield services company owner, served as a U.S. Representative for New Mexico, advocating for the oil and gas industry, which has significantly funded his campaigns. Industry groups support his nomination, viewing his experience as beneficial for BLM’s leadership.
“Pearce’s background makes him well-suited to tackle federal lands issues faced by ranchers,” Kaitlynn Glover of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association stated. Republican politicians from states reliant on ranching and oil, like Montana and Wyoming, have echoed this support.
Conservation groups argue that Pearce’s past actions, including support for legislation that limits conservation efforts, make him unsuitable for the role. His opposition to the designation of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico, which had public support, is a point of contention. The area has since become a key economic driver for Las Cruces.
The League of Conservation Voters scores Pearce at 4 percent for pro-environment votes, underscoring his alignment with anti-environment policies. Jennifer Rokala from the Center for Western Priorities has urged Congress to reject Pearce’s nomination, emphasizing the need for protected public lands.
The Trump Public Lands Agenda
Democratic politicians, including former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, have also voiced concerns about Pearce’s nomination. Haaland, now running for New Mexico governor, criticized Pearce’s history of prioritizing profit over environmental stewardship, especially regarding New Mexico’s lands and waters.
Since resuming office, the Trump administration has actively dismantled environmental protections to boost resource extraction on public lands. Changes to the National Environmental Policy Act have expedited the approval of projects like a gold mine in Nevada, reducing public input and potentially threatening local ecosystems.
The administration’s agenda includes opening more lands for oil drilling, including in ecologically sensitive areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Dan Ritzman from the Sierra Club expects Pearce to further this agenda, aligning with the Trump administration’s focus on resource extraction.
“President Trump was elected to expand America’s energy potential,” said Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, affirming that the administration’s nominees support this agenda.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org