The U.S. Department of Interior has announced that it is rescinding the public lands rule that was implemented during the Biden administration. This move has sparked strong criticism from environmental groups who believe that conservation and ecosystem restoration should be prioritized on federal public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Western states and industry groups have opposed the rule, arguing that it limits access to public lands and imposes unnecessary restrictions on activities such as drilling and grazing. Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, however, has praised the Trump administration’s decision to reexamine the rule, stating that it will allow for more access to Utah’s public lands.
The policy, which sought to promote conservation alongside other forms of land use, was met with backlash from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and other Western governors, who argued that it would create unnecessary barriers to conservation work and limit the use of public lands for various activities.
In response to the rescission of the rule, Rep. Celeste Maloy and Rep. Russ Fulcher have reintroduced the WEST Act, which would require the national director of the BLM to withdraw the rule. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance has strongly opposed the decision, noting that a majority of public comments received by the Bureau of Land Management during the rule’s public comment period were positive.
Overall, the rescission of the public lands rule has sparked widespread debate and opposition, with environmental groups and some lawmakers expressing concerns about the impact on conservation efforts and public land management.
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