Steve Pearce: A Risky Choice for Colorado’s Public Lands

Colorado owns over 8 million acres that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) safeguards for everyone. These lands provide:

• Clean air and water
• Habitat for wildlife
• Tourism, hunting, and stargazing opportunities

In 2025 alone, visitors contributed more than $2 billion to the state’s economy.

The New BLM Head: Steve Pearce

Former New Mexico congressman Steve Pearce is slated to lead the BLM. His record signals a push to sell public lands for profit:

• Bills favoring private ownership of BLM land
• Opposed the Antiquities Act, arguing monument designations hurt jobs and local economies (contrary to studies showing income boosts)
• Oil‑field services background; still holds stock in the industry and backs easier drilling on public lands

Why It Matters

Colorado’s identity is built on natural beauty. Allowing a former pro‑sell‑land advocate to run the BLM risks eroding that legacy. The state needs a steward who protects public lands, not one who seeks to profit from them.