New Policy Allows US to Lease Public Lands for Conservation Purposes

The Biden administration has taken a significant step towards protecting the health of U.S. public lands by finalizing new measures that prioritize conservation alongside development activities like drilling, mining, and grazing. The Interior Department’s regulations aim to safeguard nearly a tenth of America’s land base from the impacts of climate change, while also allowing industries to offset their environmental footprints.

This move aligns with President Biden’s commitment to prioritize climate change in agency decisions and his pledge to conserve 30% of America’s land and water. The so-called Public Lands Rule clarifies that conservation is just as important as other uses of public lands, directing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to consider land health when making decisions.

One of the key aspects of the new rule is the creation of a system where acreage can be leased for the restoration of degraded landscapes or to mitigate impacts from development on other public lands. These leases are designed not to conflict with existing land uses, ensuring a balanced approach to land management.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of bolstering landscape resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts, stating that the final rule helps restore balance to public lands. By using the best-available science to guide strategic and responsible development, the administration aims to sustain public lands for generations to come.

Overall, the new measures represent a significant step towards ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of America’s public lands, demonstrating a commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.