The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to utilize funds to align with the Biden Administration's climate goals and enhance the management of approximately 245 million acres of public land under its jurisdiction.
The proposed budget, estimated at $1.6 billion, is intended for improving climate resilience and conservation partnerships. It also aims to conserve, connect, and restore 30% of the land and water by 2030. The budget includes a $53.1 million allocation for the Renewable Energy Management program to meet the growing demand for renewable energy projects and transmission lines on BLM lands. It also intends to create employment opportunities through cleanup initiatives targeting abandoned mine lands and hazardous materials.
"We have a historic opportunity and responsibility to restore our public lands and deliver the clean energy needed to combat climate change, while creating good jobs to do it. The budget reflects the Administration’s continued commitment to striking the right balance between enduring land conservation and responsible use of the nation’s resources," said Tracy Stone-Manning, director of the BLM, in a news release dated March 11 announcing the budget allocation.
Stone-Manning added that the budget request includes $153.4 million for Wildlife Habitat Management. A portion of this funding will be utilized alongside investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the Sagebrush Keystone Initiative aimed at restoring sagebrush habitat. This initiative would benefit species like the greater sage-grouse and other native wildlife that depend on sagebrush habitat.
The budget request also seeks funding for deferred maintenance projects at properties maintained by BLM. For fiscal year 2024, it is projected that $91.8 million will be required for deferred maintenance needs with assistance from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The BLM estimates that their 2025 budget request will address $125.7 million in deferred maintenance with GAOA’s Landscape Restoration Fund projects.
Lastly, an amount of $61.5 million has been proposed to allow the BLM to maintain recreation sites, trail maintenance, and design improvements. This is aimed at protecting natural resources, improving access, and enhancing public enjoyment of public lands.
