1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Department of Interior's proposed rule to rescind the BLM Public Lands Rule, also known as the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. This misguided proposal would undo crucial protections for our public lands and revert to an outdated approach that favors drilling, mining, and grazing over conservation and recreation. The BLM Public Lands Rule, finalized just last year, was a long-overdue implementation of a 1976 Congressional directive. It established a balanced approach to managing the Bureau of Land Management's 245 million acres, placing conservation and recreation on equal footing with extractive uses. This balanced approach is not only legally sound but also aligns with the will of the American people and the BLM's mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands. The administration's rationale for repeal—that the rule is unnecessary and violates statutory direction—is deeply flawed. Conservation groups have rightly pointed out that the rule has solid legal grounding. Moreover, it is essential for fulfilling the BLM's mandate to manage our public lands responsibly. It's worth noting that 81% of BLM lands are already open to oil and gas leasing. Rolling back this rule would further tip the scales in favor of private interests at the expense of public benefit. This move contradicts recent bipartisan support for public lands conservation and ignores the vital role these lands play in addressing climate change, preserving biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for all Americans. I urge you to take immediate action to oppose this harmful proposal. Please use your position to advocate for the retention of the BLM Public Lands Rule and to ensure that our public lands are managed in a way that balances conservation, recreation, and responsible use. The 60-day public comment period provides a critical opportunity for you to make your voice heard on behalf of your constituents who value our public lands. Our public lands are a shared national treasure. We must not allow short-term private interests to override their long-term value to all Americans. I ask that you stand firm in protecting these irreplaceable resources for current and future generations.