Department of the Interior Proposes Rescission of Public Lands Rule

The Department of the Interior, under Secretary Doug Burgum, has announced plans to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 2024 Public Lands Rule. This rule had elevated conservation to the same level as other land uses such as energy development, grazing, and timber production. The proposed change aims to restore a balance in federal land management by prioritizing multiple-use access and empowering local decision-making.

Department of the Interior Proposes Rollback of Public Lands Rule to Prioritize Balanced Land Use Over ConservationInterior Proposes to Rescind Public Lands Rule, Restoring Balanced, Multiple-Use ManagementInterior Proposes To Rescind Biden Administration Rule On Conservation Of BLM LandsRFD-TVABC NewsInterior Department moves to rescind BLM conservation rule, citing multiple-use mandateNew York Times

The 2024 Public Lands Rule, also known as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, was designed to protect public lands from industrial development and climate change impacts. However, Secretary Burgum argues that it created regulatory uncertainty and restricted access to lands vital for energy production, agriculture, and recreation. He stated, “The previous administration’s Public Lands Rule had the potential to block access to hundreds of thousands of acres of multiple-use land—preventing energy and mineral production, timber management, grazing, and recreation across the West.” The rescission is positioned as a means to protect rural livelihoods and restore the BLM's legal mandate.

Interior Proposes to Rescind Public Lands Rule, Restoring Balanced, Multiple-Use ManagementInterior Proposes To Rescind Biden Administration Rule On Conservation Of BLM LandsInterior Department moves to rescind BLM conservation rule, citing multiple-use mandateDepartment of the Interior Proposes Rollback of Public Lands Rule to Prioritize Balanced Land Use Over ConservationRFD-TVABC NewsNew York Times

The proposed rollback has garnered support from various industry groups, including the National Mining Association and agricultural organizations, which argue that the Biden-era rule undermined their interests. Rich Nolan, CEO of the National Mining Association, welcomed the change, stating it reinstates the balance intended by Congress. Conversely, environmental groups have expressed strong opposition, warning that the rescission could harm wildlife habitats and reduce protections for ecologically sensitive areas. Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities, criticized the move, asserting it tips the scales back to exploitative practices of the past.

Interior Department moves to rescind BLM conservation rule, citing multiple-use mandate

Secretary Burgum emphasized that the most effective caretakers of federal lands are those whose livelihoods depend on them, asserting that rescinding the rule “protects our American way of life and gives our communities a voice in the land that they depend on.” In contrast, conservation advocates argue that the rollback disregards public opinion and the ecological health of public lands. A Center for Western Priorities analysis indicated that 92% of public comments during the rule's development supported the conservation-focused approach.

Interior Proposes To Rescind Biden Administration Rule On Conservation Of BLM Lands

Critics of the proposed rescission argue that it undermines the BLM's mission to manage lands sustainably. David Willms from the National Wildlife Federation stated that the Biden-era rule provided essential tools for restoring degraded lands and enhancing wildlife habitats. Environmentalists contend that prioritizing development over conservation could lead to long-term ecological damage, particularly in areas already facing threats from climate change and industrial activity.

Interior Proposes to Scrub Biden-Era Land Conservation Rule (1)

The Department of the Interior will publish the proposed rescission in the Federal Register, initiating a 60-day public comment period. This period will allow stakeholders and the public to voice their opinions on the proposed changes to land management policies.

Interior Proposes to Rescind Public Lands Rule, Restoring Balanced, Multiple-Use Management

• “The previous administration’s Public Lands Rule had the potential to block access to hundreds of thousands of acres of multiple-use land — preventing energy and mineral production, timber management, grazing, and recreation across the West,” — Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

Interior Department moves to rescind BLM conservation rule, citing multiple-use mandate

• “If Secretary Burgum spent more time in the West, he’d understand how conservation fits into everything the Bureau of Land Management does,” — Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director, Center for Western Priorities

New York Times

• “This new rule reinstates the balance of federal land use intended by Congress, ensuring that our vast resources can meet today’s soaring energy needs and become the secure mineral supply chains for American industry.” — Rich Nolan, CEO, National Mining Association

New York Times

• “The Public Lands Rule gave the Bureau of Land Management the tools to restore and conserve degraded lands while supporting the wildlife, ranchers, hunters, and communities that depend on these lands.” — David Willms, Associate Vice President for Public Lands, National Wildlife Federation

Interior Proposes To Rescind Biden Administration Rule On Conservation Of BLM Lands

• “The administration cannot simply overthrow that statutory authority because they would prefer to let drilling and mining companies call the shots,” — Alison Flint, Senior Legal Director, The Wilderness Society

ABC News

• “America’s wildest public lands face unprecedented threats from the Trump administration and its repeated decisions to prioritize fossil fuel development and extractive industry over clean water, wildlife habitat, and wild open spaces.” — Steve Bloch, Legal Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

Interior Proposes To Rescind Biden Administration Rule On Conservation Of BLM Lands