Correction: Today’s U.S. Senate vote on S.R. 690 was a procedural vote, not a confirmation vote. Instead, New Mexico Senate Republicans applaud today’s vote as one step closer towards the inevitable confirmation of Steve Pearce as Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
Santa Fe, NM — NM Senate Republican Leaders praised the United States Senate for confirming former Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Across New Mexico, the BLM manages approximately 13.5 million acres of federal land, much of it concentrated in the oil and gas regions of southeastern and northwestern New Mexico but also encompassing vast grazing ranges and recreation areas like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
"We are grateful to President Trump for appointing New Mexico's own Steve Pearce to this important position," said Senate Minority Floor Leader Bill Sharer, "and we commend the US Senate for confirming Congressman Pearce to his new role as Director of the BLM!"
In FY 24, New Mexico received nearly $3 billion from federal mineral leases on these federally managed lands, accounting for roughly 20% of the state's recurring revenue and making New Mexico the largest state beneficiary of federal oil & gas revenue in the United States.
"Steve Pearce enjoys vast experience in the oil & gas industry," noted Senator David Gallegos (R-Eunice), who also serves as the Senate Minority Caucus Chair. "How reassuring to know that he will put his experience to work for the benefit of both New Mexico and our entire nation."
Federally managed land also provides critical opportunities for ranchers to feed their livestock across rural New Mexico via nearly 2,300 grazing permits issued by BLM.
"Our livestock producers rely heavily on these grazing permits," said Senate Minority Whip Pat Woods. "Having someone at the helm of this agency who is from New Mexico and values the relationship our citizens have with the land is critical for the long-term success of our farmers and ranchers."
Leader Sharer concluded, "We wish Director Pearce the best of luck in undoing all of the damage former Secretary Deb Haaland inflicted on New Mexico's economy during her failed tenure at the Department of the Interior."
