REI Supports New Public Lands Rule Elevating Conservation

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 10 percent of land in the U.S., including some of our most treasured recreation spots, critical habitats and places sacred to Tribal Nations and communities. An astounding 90 percent of those lands are open for oil and gas leasing.  

The climate crisis makes clear that we cannot continue to manage these lands as we have in the past. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change course.  

REI applauds the BLM for issuing a new proposed Public Lands Rule designed to ensure healthy landscapes across the 245 million acres under its management. If adopted, the rule will enable the BLM to restore and conserve these lands for the benefit of all, now and into the future.  

While this proposed rule makes clear that BLM lands will continue to support multiple uses—including grazing, mining and drilling—it establishes conservation as a “use” on equal footing with the rest. This clarification is essential to unlocking sustainable stewardship of our public lands.  

The public comment period on the proposed rule closes on June 20, 2023 and the BLM needs to hear from us all. We ask that you join us and raise your voice in support of the new rule via the REI Cooperative Action Network. Together, we can ensure the health of our public lands for generations to come.  

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