Story perspectives

Trump Reverses BLM Rule, Opens 81% to Energy Leasing

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump rescinded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands Rule, ending protections equating conservation to oil, gas and mining.
Eighty-one percent of BLM lands remain open to energy leasing, while H.R. 1, passed in 2025, mandates quarterly lease sales.
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and YouGov polls show bipartisan opposition, while associate director Beau Kiklis warns the rollback threatens stewardship around Grand Canyon, Arches, Joshua Tree and Carlsbad.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump rescinded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands Rule, ending protections equating conservation to oil, gas and mining.
Eighty-one percent of BLM lands remain open to energy leasing, while H.R. 1, passed in 2025, mandates quarterly lease sales.
National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and YouGov polls show bipartisan opposition, while associate director Beau Kiklis warns the rollback threatens stewardship around Grand Canyon, Arches, Joshua Tree and Carlsbad.