U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho has received confirmation from Stevan Pearce, the nominee for director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), that there are no plans to sell Idaho’s public lands.
During a discussion in Washington, Risch addressed Pearce and said, “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?”
Pearce responded, “I do, Senator.”
Risch continued by emphasizing the limits of authority: “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,” Pearce replied.
Risch highlighted local sentiment: “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.”
He also noted Pearce’s role as manager rather than policymaker: “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 stated his commitment: “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.”
Senator Risch previously led an effort last year opposing a provision in legislation known as One Big Beautiful Bill that would have allowed selling public lands and met with Pearce earlier in January about responsible resource management.
Risch has long supported energy independence and defended Idaho agriculture against federal overreach according to his official website. He represents Idaho in the U.S Senate while leading or serving on several key committees including foreign relations and natural resources panels (source). He has held various roles such as Ada County Prosecuting Attorney and Governor before joining Congress (source).
