04.05.23

Hoeven Working to Stop BLM's Proposed Public Lands Overhaul

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed Public Lands Rule that would overhaul the management of more than 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands. The rule, which was published yesterday, would establish “conservation leases” that would lock away federal lands in conflict with the longstanding tradition of multiple use requirements established by Congress.

“North Dakota and other western states depend on access to federal lands. That’s why Congress has mandated that these taxpayer-owned lands be available for grazing, energy production, recreation and other uses,” said Hoeven. “The Biden administration’s proposed rule seeks to lock away more federal lands in direct conflict with the longstanding multiple use law. We’re working to stop this proposal and to ensure that North Dakotans and others still have access to these public lands.”

Hoeven is working to stop the BLM’s proposed rule. The senator is submitting language to the Interior Appropriations Bill prohibiting the use of funds to further develop, implement or enforce the rule, and will lead a Congressional comment letter opposing the rule and asking that it be rescinded. 

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