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BILLINGS (AP) — Tracy Stone-Manning, a key figure in President Joe Biden’s climate agenda, will become the president of The Wilderness Society in February. As Director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, she was instrumental in curbing fossil fuel extraction on federal lands while promoting renewable energy projects. Her tenure saw the end of new federal coal sales from significant reserves along the Wyoming-Montana border.
Stone-Manning faced opposition from Republicans, who criticized her past with environmental extremists, labeling her an “eco-terrorist.” Despite this, Senate Democrats confirmed her on a party-line vote. Under her leadership, the Bureau of Land Management shifted focus from fossil fuels, reducing oil and gas lease sales, increasing royalty rates, and prioritizing conservation as equal to resource extraction.
These changes drew criticism from industries and Republicans, who plan to reverse them when they take control in Washington next year. Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon condemned the ending of coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, predicting severe economic repercussions and accusing the administration of anti-coal bias.
Despite advancements in solar and wind energy, the long-term impact of these policy changes is uncertain. Rep. Raul Grijalva praised Stone-Manning’s efforts but warned that they could be undone by future administrations. With President-elect Donald Trump planning to reverse Biden’s policies, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum nominated to lead the Interior Department, the future of Biden’s environmental initiatives hangs in the balance.
Stone-Manning, previously a senior aide to Montana’s Democratic leaders, was involved in a controversial environmental case in 1989. Although granted immunity, her involvement fueled Republican opposition. Stone-Manning’s confirmation was pushed through with support from Democrats like Sen. Joe Manchin. The bureau, which returned to Washington, D.C., after being relocated to Colorado under Trump, was restructured under her leadership to involve Native American tribes in land management.
During Trump’s earlier term, the Bureau of Land Management operated without a Senate-confirmed director, relying on acting directors to advance its policies.
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