UPDATE: President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Bureau of Land Management, Steve Pearce, is set to face scrutiny as concerns grow over his radical plans to privatize public lands. This urgent nomination comes at a critical time, with the Senate expected to vote soon on whether to confirm Pearce, who has a long history of advocating for the liquidation of 245 million acres of public lands.
Pearce’s nomination has raised alarms among conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As a former congressman from New Mexico, he has repeatedly pushed for the sale of national public lands, arguing that the federal government possesses “vast” holdings that could be dispensed to pay down the national debt. In a shocking 2012 letter, Pearce stated that most of these lands were unnecessary, advocating for a massive sell-off that could threaten the very essence of public land stewardship.
Officials report that Pearce’s confirmation would escalate an existing trend within the Trump administration, which has seen the elevation of officials like Doug Burgum and Brooke Rollins, both of whom view public lands primarily as assets for drilling, mining, and logging. The administration’s push to monetize these lands for private gain has been met with increasing public backlash.
This nomination is particularly concerning as it follows the failed nomination of anti-public lands advocate William Perry Pendley, who was dropped after his record was revealed. Pearce’s history is even more alarming, having spent over a decade undermining protections for public lands and wildlife during his tenure in Congress.
Just this spring, Senator Mike Lee attempted to include a public land sale provision in a budget bill, proposing to sell off 2-3 million acres of BLM and Forest Service lands. His proposal faced immediate and fierce opposition from hunters and outdoor recreation groups, forcing him to abandon the effort. This response indicates a strong public sentiment against the privatization of public lands, making Pearce’s nomination even more contentious.
The newly formed Senate Stewardship Caucus, co-chaired by Republicans and Democrats, aims to promote bipartisan conservation efforts. Its members now face a crucial test with Pearce’s nomination. If they cannot stand firm against a candidate with a clear agenda to dismantle public land protections, their commitment to stewardship may be called into question.
The stakes are high. The BLM’s mission to balance energy, recreation, conservation, and grazing could collapse under a leader who openly seeks to “reverse this trend of public ownership.” Rural communities, hunters, anglers, and campers are all at risk of losing access to these vital lands, which serve as economic engines and recreation spaces.
As Congress prepares to deliberate on Pearce’s nomination, it serves as a referendum on whether public lands still belong to all Americans. The Senate must act decisively to protect this unique legacy for future generations. This is a pivotal moment for those who care about the West’s outdoor heritage and the future of public lands.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation develops.
