GOP to Use CRA to Threaten Public Input for BLM Land Planning

Credit: Tony Bynum/BLM

The American Public is fortunate to own millions of acres of incredible public lands, many of which are overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We all have a say in how these lands are managed through the ability to participate in a public process to develop land use plans. Last year, the BLM established a rule, Planning 2.0, that went into effect in January and provides additional opportunities for public input on how your lands are managed. But a resolution in Congress would undo this important step forward for the agency and the public by eliminating that rule.

Planning 2.0 has established procedures for preparing, revising, or amending land use plans, and provides new opportunities for stakeholders to participate in the early stages of developing plans. This means that states and counties, scientists, ranchers, hunters and anglers, miners, hikers, boaters, the energy industry, and other users of public lands can know more about what a plan would do and express their hopes and concerns about it.

Planning 2.0 also includes steps to ensure that important fish and wildlife habitats, such as migration corridors and intact ecosystems, are identified early in the planning process so they can be managed and conserved as the agency makes decisions about development, recreation, and other public land uses.

Your voice is a valuable part of the process that determines the future of our public lands. Send your message to Rep. Mark Amodei today asking him to reconsider his co-sponsorship on this bill and instead, vote NAY on H.J. Res. 44!

Rep. Mark Amodei   Email | Twitter
DC:  202-225-6155 | Reno: 775-686-5760

A joint resolution is often used in the same manner as a bill. If passed by both the House and Senate in identical form and signed by the President, it becomes a law.  By using the Congressional Review Act process within the specified review period to “disapprove” of this rule, GOP members of the House and Senate can stifle debate, eliminate any chance of amendment or filibuster, and pass their disapproval on to the president for signature without a single solitary Democratic vote.