John,
U.S. public lands are home to an amazing array of wildlife — pronghorns, imperiled songbirds, sage grouse, desert tortoises, and countless other species. When the Bureau of Land Management makes decisions about these vast landscapes, conservation and public access should always be part of the discussion. The law requires a careful balance of activities to ensure the land and environment are not permanently damaged. But for decades, the agency gave priority to extractive industries like oil and gas companies and livestock operators. Wildlife, waters, and the public good took a back seat.
This finally changed in 2024 with the finalization of the Public Lands Rule. The new rule requires public lands decisions to consider conservation, outdoor recreation, and cultural sites alongside uses like grazing, logging, and energy development — aligning the BLM’s activities with the law. The Public Lands Rule provides specific, actionable steps to make sure land management isn’t just about extraction and profit.
Now the Trump administration is working to undo this progress, as it has with so many other positive environmental rules.
The Public Lands Rule received overwhelming support from the people, with backing by 92% of all public comments during its development. This forward-looking rule guides decisions across nearly 245 million acres harboring more than 300 animals and plants protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Public lands are an amazing resource to conserve for wildlife and future generations.
Don’t let the Trump administration dismantle this critical rule.
