BILLINGS, Mont. — Kathleen Sgamma, President Trump’s choice to lead the Bureau of Land Management, has decided to step down from her nomination. This happened just before her confirmation hearing. The reason? In 2021, Sgamma publicly criticized Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
During her comments, she expressed her disgust over the violence that occurred and how Trump spread misinformation that led to it. Former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said Sgamma’s withdrawal was “self-inflicted” and suggested that people who don’t fully agree with Trump should avoid seeking political jobs.
The Bureau of Land Management is in charge of overseeing 250 million acres of public land, including oil and gas development, mining, grazing, and recreation areas. Sgamma had a history in the oil and gas industry and seemed ready to support Trump’s plans to ease restrictions on energy projects, especially in the West.
Sgamma’s departure highlights how the Trump administration has emphasized loyalty from those in power. Aaron Weiss, an advocate for environmental policies, noted that being honest and realistic with the White House can hurt your chances in politics.
This agency plays a vital role in deciding how government-owned lands are used. Under President Biden, drilling and mining on federal lands were limited, while renewable energy projects were expanded. Now, Trump is reversing those changes. This week, officials announced they would not look closely at the environmental impacts of oil and gas leases in several western states, furthering energy development.
Additionally, Trump signed an order to restart coal production, lifting Biden’s ban on new coal sales on federal lands. In Trump’s second term, the Bureau of Land Management had about 10,000 workers, but it saw long periods without a confirmed leader. Trump even moved its headquarters to Colorado before bringing it back to D.C. under Biden.
The Senate energy committee Chairman, Mike Lee from Utah, announced Sgamma’s withdrawal and said he would help find a new nominee because the bureau’s work affects many Americans, especially in the West. Last year, Utah officials tried to gain control of the Bureau’s lands but were denied by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Leave a Reply