Colorado Wildlife Federation On September 10, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced it proposes to rescind the 2024 Public Lands Rule. The purpose of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule was to elevate conservation so that it would be fully considered an essential equal element in the agency’s work to balance multiple uses. CWF had applauded the Rule because it enabled conservation to gain equal footing among the array of multiple uses BLM must manage. It emphasized ecosystem resilience, intact and connected landscapes, and on setting priorities for restoration of degraded lands. The Rule had been finalized April 18, 2024.
Department of the Interior views the Rule as providing ” an outsized priority on conservation or no-use at the expense of multiple-use access, threatening to curtail grazing, energy development, recreation and other traditional land uses.” The press release also characterizes its removal as the elimination of unnecessary barriers to energy development. It complements Sec. Order 3418 February 3, “Unleashing American Energy.” DOI Press release
We note that in the BLM Colorado third quarter 2025 lease sale on Tuesday, September 9, all of the 14 parcels listed for sale were sold. Results of Lease Sale
Further, Congress is working to use a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn BLM Resource Management Plans in 3 states (Alaska, North Dakota and Montana). This could create mass uncertainly for public lands management throughout the West if it begins to erase BLM management plans because they govern the land use on the lands it manages. Stay tuned and we will update.