URGENT UPDATE: Steve Pearce, President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), poses a significant threat to America’s public lands. His track record suggests a push to liquidate 245 million acres of public land, raising urgent concerns among conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
In a shocking revelation, Pearce has a history of advocating for the privatization of public lands, previously co-sponsoring bills aimed at disposing of national land holdings. This alarming stance directly contradicts the BLM’s mission to manage and conserve these vital resources for future generations.
Pearce’s remarks from a 2012 letter to House leaders illustrate his radical vision. He described federal land ownership as excessive and unnecessary, advocating for a massive sell-off to alleviate national debt. This approach signals a clear intent to prioritize corporate interests over environmental stewardship.
President Trump’s administration has a history of nominating anti-public-lands figures, such as William Perry Pendley, who was forced to withdraw after public outcry over his extreme views. Pearce’s nomination raises similar alarms, as he has spent 14 years in Congress undermining wildlife protections and pushing for land sales.
As the Senate gears up for a confirmation vote, the ramifications are dire. With the administration prioritizing profit-driven policies under officials like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Pearce’s leadership could catalyze aggressive land liquidation strategies.
The public’s response has been swift. Recently, Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee faced backlash for proposing a budget amendment that would sell off 2-3 million acres of BLM and Forest Service lands as a housing solution. The uproar from hunters and outdoor recreation groups forced him to abandon the effort, demonstrating the unpopularity of such radical land sell-offs.
Now, the newly-formed Senate Stewardship Caucus, co-chaired by Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), finds itself at a critical juncture. The caucus aims to promote bipartisan conservation efforts and is being watched closely as Pearce’s nomination becomes its first major test. If members cannot oppose this nominee, their commitment to protecting public lands may be called into serious question.
The stakes are high. The BLM’s mandate requires a careful balance between energy, grazing, recreation, and conservation. A leader who seeks to eliminate public ownership threatens to dismantle this essential framework, jeopardizing access for generations of outdoor enthusiasts and rural communities that rely on these lands for economic stability.
As the Senate deliberates, the message is clear: Pearce’s nomination is a referendum on the future of America’s public lands. Senators who claim to value the West’s outdoor heritage must stand firm against this nomination, safeguarding a legacy that belongs to all Americans, not just corporate interests.
With the confirmation process underway, public support and advocacy will be vital. This is a defining moment for conservation and responsible land management in America. The time to act is now.
