Washington, D.C. — The Bureau of Land Management has unveiled a final Public Lands Rule, aimed at reshaping a system that has long favored oil and gas drilling over conservation on nearly 250 million acres of public lands. The new regulations seek to prioritize ecosystem health and resilience in management decisions, marking a significant departure from historical practices. Drew McConville, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "Today, the Biden administration is turning the page on decades of conflict and mismanagement of America’s public lands. It’s long past time for the nation’s largest land manager to make conservation more than just an afterthought and to safeguard public lands for the public good."

McConville emphasized the need to address a system that has been heavily skewed towards oil, gas, and mining interests, indicating a shift towards a more balanced approach that considers community- and Tribal-led conservation proposals. The rule also aims to guide investments towards the restoration of degraded lands and waters, signaling a commitment to long-term sustainability and environmental protection.

The release of this Public Lands Rule signifies a step towards rectifying a system that has favored extractive industries over conservation efforts. By promoting responsible clean energy initiatives and other reforms, the Biden administration is striving to correct a longstanding imbalance in land management practices.

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