Biden’s Bureau of Land Management Will Offer Leasing of Public Lands for Conservation
The Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area in Red Bluff, California. Bob Wick / Bureau of Land Management
The Biden administration has finalized a new rule to protect United States public lands, including offering leasing of the lands for conservation in a similar manner as it does for drilling, grazing and mining, reported Reuters.
The final Public Lands Rule will help the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to improve and protect the resilience and health of these lands from the impacts of climate change. At the same time, the regulations will help preserve intact landscapes and essential wildlife habitat, facilitate “responsible development” and recognize natural and cultural resources, a press release from BLM said.
“As stewards of America’s public lands, the Interior Department takes seriously our role in helping bolster landscape resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts. Today’s final rule helps restore balance to our public lands as we continue using the best-available science to restore habitats, guide strategic and responsible development, and sustain our public lands for generations to come,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in the press release.
The new rule builds on the administration’s Investing in America agenda, recognizing the intrinsic value of America’s public lands.
“America’s public lands are our national treasures,” said John Podesta, senior international climate policy advisor to the president. 04-19-24
