Target: Roger Marshall, Chair of U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources
Goal: Do not confirm appointee to Bureau of Land Management with links to fossil fuel special interests.
Since the second Trump administration began, massive amounts of federal land have been opened up for drilling and mining while conservation plans have endured major rollbacks. The administration recently hosted one of the biggest coal lease bids in years. If a new nominee for an influential office receives confirmation, the unchecked assault on public lands will likely ramp up exponentially.
The president nominated a former representative from New Mexico, Steve Pearce, to head the Bureau of Land Management. This agency is responsible for over 245 million acres of land. Perhaps more consequentially for the administration, the bureau oversees the hundreds of millions of mineral rights associated with this land. Pearce, a former member of the House of Representatives’ Natural Resource Committee, has long advocated for more unrestricted permitting of gas, oil, and mining projects. He has also spoken against the expansion of federally protected land monuments and protections for animals at risk from resource development.
This nomination falls in line with the administration’s efforts to repeal a rule finalized in 2024 that would have prioritized public recreation and conservation over special interests. Sign the petition below to urge elected representatives to reject this latest affront to the people’s public lands.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Senator Marshall,
“Steve Pearce’s entire political career has been dedicated to blocking Americans’ access to public lands while giving the oil and gas industry free rein to drill and frack anywhere they wanted. Congress should quickly reject this nomination and tell the president to pay attention to what voters overwhelmingly want — public lands that are protected and managed for our kids and grandkids.” The executive director of conservation group Center for Western Priorities spoke for millions of Americans in calling on the Senate to reject the nomination of former Representative Pearce for the Director of Bureau and Land Management.
These Americans understand what is at stake with this nomination: wildlife corridors, water rights, preservation of irreplaceable wildlife and vegetation, and public enjoyment of the trails, climbing and hiking areas, and majestic landscapes that comprise America’s 245 million-plus acre natural legacy. Please do not take another hatchet to this legacy. Ensure the person selected to shepherd this vast expanse understands and respects the mission and the responsibility.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Dsw3131
