During a recent hearing of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Democratic senators, led by Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), questioned Steve Pearce, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The session focused on Pearce’s views regarding public land sales, national monument protections, community engagement, and enforcement of grazing laws.
Pearce clarified that under current law he would not be able to authorize large-scale sales of public lands. “The [Interior] Secretary has been very straightforward that he does not visualize any large-scale sales of land. FLPMA does not allow BLM to go in and the director of BLM to have these large-scale sales, that's something that, frankly, the isolated parcels, I would look to the members of this Committee to identify those. I think that from my time in office, I know that I would have understood better than any director of BLM, the sensitive sensitivity of this piece of land or that piece of land, and so that's the reason, when I say, I'll look to you all on that. There is a monumental amount of work to be done. And again, I would say, gladly, I would use the help you all could provide in identifying those parcels,” Pearce said.
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) expressed skepticism about Pearce’s previous positions on public lands: “It's pretty hard for us to be able, in the West, to trust someone who fundamentally doesn't believe that these public lands are important. I know you answered my colleague to the effect, well, we may not be able to do all the things that some people care about, but you're going to be in a position of great influence.”
Pearce responded: “So I recognize the importance of the federal lands and support the missions completely. I do not believe that we have too much federal land sitting in public hands.”
When Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) asked if Pearce could renounce his past support for widespread public land sales for reasons such as deficit reduction or education funding, Pearce stated: “I think the [Interior] Secretary has been very clear FLPMA prohibits any large sale —scale sale by the director, and so it would be at the secretary level. And he said — I would intend to follow his lead on that, there won't be any large-scale sale of land.”
On national monuments like Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico—a designation Pearce previously opposed—Heinrich asked about his approach moving forward. Pearce replied: “Senator, again, thanks for the opportunity to clarify that because that issue was very hotly contested in the county for about 15 years...I don't anticipate going back and reviewing that at the end of the day. It's a presidential decision anyway [sic]. But I don't...view myself as going and making a recommendation. There is too much ahead of us to get done to focus on things that have happened in the past. It's been recognized and operating. I appreciate that very much.”
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) sought assurance from Pearce regarding Chuckwalla National Monument’s status: “My question is clear and simple: Mr. Pearce if confirmed are you committed to honoring these monument designations? Yes or no?” Pearce answered simply: “Yes.”
Similarly addressing protections for Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona raised by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Pearce stated: “So the monuments are something I do support deeply and understand. The Grand Canyon is one of the most magnificent things...in the world. So we'll do whatever we can to work with you any way that's necessary on that.”
Community engagement was also discussed during questioning by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). She asked whether locals should play a role in federal land management decisions; Pearce agreed: “That is correct...I've said multiple times that I'll work with every member of the Committee and their state to figure out what makes sense in their state. I don't visualize the federal government having the best insight on that.” He further committed: “So you'd find me a willing partner on looking at [resource management plans] and working with local communities...those are things I'm deeply sensitive to...Yes,I would commit strongly to them.”
Regarding illegal grazing on federal lands—a concern highlighted by Cortez Masto—Pearce responded: “If they're grazing illegally? Oh,I think that laws will be upheld,and we should dig into that.And again there are pieces of agency which deal with that.But absolutely believe permission has to be given when a land holder...the permission has to be sacred.”
If confirmed as Director,Pearce pledged adherence both legally and administratively,on issues ranging from monument protections,to responsible oversight over federal rangelands,and ongoing consultation with local stakeholders.
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