The nomination of former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce as head of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has sparked considerable opposition. Conservation groups and several senators are urging the Senate to reject President Trump’s nominee, citing concerns about public land protection and tribal sovereignty.
Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego has openly opposed Pearce’s nomination, advocating instead for leadership that will prioritize public access and respect for tribal lands. According to Gallego, “Public lands, like the Grand Canyon, are not just places to escape. They are essential for the economy, supporting a $21 billion outdoor recreation industry and thousands of jobs, and for many Tribal communities, they are sacred.”
Despite the controversy, Pearce’s nomination was approved by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee with an 11-9 vote along party lines and will now proceed to the full Senate. However, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich also voiced his disapproval. Heinrich emphasized, “While Congressman Pearce has said that his past actions opposing national monument designations and calling for public land selloffs are in his rearview mirror, they remain very much in the memory of every New Mexican who faced his opposition to protecting the lands that they cherish.”
During his time in the U.S. House, Pearce opposed the designation of New Mexico’s Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and once proposed selling federal lands to prevent tax increases. Pearce has promised not to recommend reversing monument designations, but the Sierra Club and other conservation entities remain skeptical. Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, stated, “Steve Pearce has repeatedly demonstrated his disregard for public lands … If (he) is allowed to lead the BLM, the land that makes Arizona special—our beautiful national monuments, lands that carry immense significance to Native people in our state—will be under threat.”
The Wilderness Society, Center for Western Priorities, Arizona Trail Association, and other groups have joined in opposition. Pearce was initially nominated by Trump in November but faced rejection due to similar resistance. The BLM is responsible for managing 12 million acres in Arizona and nearly 250 million acres across the United States.
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