Federal officials have finalized new land-management rules for 3.6 million acres in southwest Wyoming, including popular areas like the Red Desert and Little Mountain. These changes were announced just before President Biden’s term ends and right before a potential government shutdown. Wyoming’s Governor Mark Gordon strongly criticized the decision, accusing the Biden administration of ignoring state feedback.
The Bureau of Land Management BLM has been working on this plan for over a decade. It was finalized after years of revisions, with a major update released in August. The final decision has locked in the plan with no further changes.
The plan keeps 70% of the land open for mineral extraction, but it also adds significant protections for certain areas, increasing the land set aside for environmental conservation. This includes protecting migration routes for wildlife like mule deer and pronghorn.
Governor Gordon had asked for changes to the plan last week, but his requests were rejected just before the decision was finalized. He expressed frustration, saying Wyoming’s concerns were ignored despite years of collaboration with state agencies and local groups.
He also criticized the timing of the decision, suggesting that the administration rushed it out before the change in leadership.
Some state lawmakers, including Senator John Barrasso, have called the plan harmful and have suggested it could be overturned when President Trump takes office. Environmental groups, on the other hand, praised the final plan, saying it provides important protections for wildlife and cultural sites.
While conservation groups are celebrating, industry groups, especially those in oil and gas, have expressed disappointment, claiming the plan was rushed and does not consider their input.