U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho received confirmation from Stevan Pearce, the nominee for director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), that there are no plans to sell public lands in Idaho. During a meeting, Risch emphasized his focus on ensuring public lands remain under federal management and not sold off.
“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?” Risch asked.
“I do, Senator,” replied Pearce.
Risch continued: “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.
The senator also noted strong opposition among Idaho residents regarding any potential sale of public lands: “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.”
Risch further clarified: “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.”
Pearce responded: “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.”
Last year Risch led efforts against provisions proposing sales of public land within legislative packages such as One Big Beautiful Bill and met previously with Pearce regarding responsible resource management in Idaho.
According to his official website, Risch has been active in defending Idaho’s agriculture from federal overreach and advocating for energy independence while holding several roles including U.S. Senator for Idaho and chairing Senate committees related to foreign relations and natural resources.
