Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT) and Russ Fulcher (ID) reintroduced the WEST Act (Western Economic Security Today Act) to withdraw the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) controversial Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. This legislation aims to prevent the BLM from implementing its rule, which would fundamentally alter public land management by prioritizing conservation leasing and restricting multiple-use access.
The Conservation and Landscape Health Rule has faced strong opposition from BRC and many public land stakeholders because it opens the door for BLM to lease public lands for conservation, allowing the highest bidder to lock up land for non-use. This shift would significantly undermine established multiple-use principles and limit recreation, grazing, energy development, and other activities that support rural economies.
BRC has actively opposed this rule since its introduction, submitting formal comments, mobilizing public engagement, and working with lawmakers to highlight its negative impacts. The WEST Act represents a necessary step to halt the BLM’s overreach and maintain a balanced approach to public land management.
We commend Representatives Maloy and Fulcher for their leadership in defending responsible public land access and urge Congress to pass this critical legislation.
Take Action: Contact your representatives below and ask them to support the WEST Act to ensure that public lands remain open for multiple-use and sustained economic benefits.
For more details, read our previous analysis on the BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health Rule here.
