FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2025
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
Pearce Promises to Work with Senator Risch, Follow the Law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today received assurances from Stevan Pearce, the nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management, that he has no plans to sell off Idaho’s public lands.
Excerpts of the exchange below:
“Mr. Pearce, thank you for meeting with me. You know I’m a one issue guy on your appointment. I want to stress for people watching this today that we’re talking about a job that you’re appointed to manage the BLM. And I stress manage the BLM. The policy regarding the BLM, you understand, is the purview of this body you formerly served in. You agree with me on that?”
“I do, Senator,” said Pearce.
“There is no authority for you, for that matter, the President, to sell off public land. Do you agree with that?”
“I agree with you, Senator,” said Pearce.
“As I explained to you, this is a 98% issue in Idaho. In all my decades of serving the state, I have never received such passionate, unified messages as I have on this particular topic. Idahoans do not want their public lands sold. Period. Full stop. Public lands are really part of us and are sacred to us.”
[. . .]
“I appreciate that you understand the job you are being appointed to regards the management of these public lands – which I think you are very qualified to do – but as far as a wholesale selloff, you have nothing to do about it, no matter what you thought about it, there would be no way you could get this done without the concurrence of the United States Congress, which I can tell you, is extremely unlikely at this point.”
“Thank you, Senator. I appreciate the time that we were able to spend in your office. I came away with a very clear understanding of your position [. . .] When it comes to distribution of land, I look to you all to provide the groundwork. You all know your state, the parcels of land, much better than the people of Washington. That’s my commitment to you, that we will work with you on this and follow the law completely,” said Pearce.
Last year, Senator Risch led a successful effort to block a provision to sell public lands in the One Big Beautiful Bill. In January, Senator Risch met with Pearce to emphasize the importance of Idaho’s public lands and responsible resource management.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
