Public Lands

Ranching and energy groups were excited for former congressman Steve Pearce, while conservationists were worried he'd sell public lands. In the end, the Senate voted on party lines to approve him.

A new analysis of public federal workforce data shows there are about 5,800 fewer workers at public lands agencies in 2025 compared to 2024 because of layoffs, retirements, and reassignments.

A new poll from Yale University's School of the Environment tracked people's opinions on environmental issues, ranging from solar and wind power to whether climate change affects the weather.

There have been multiple federal efforts to sell public lands for housing, including by Utah lawmakers. Some housing and conservation groups argue these proposals need to ensure affordability.

Every year on or near Earth Day, we check in with writer and photographer Stephen Trimble. Today we talk with Trimble and three scientists.

The move is part of a "sweeping restructuring," which the agency said is intended to move leaders closer to the land they oversee. Others, however, expressed concern about changes.

The birds are already facing pressures like drought, wildfires, and climate change. Conservation groups say the case could shape land use decisions on public lands for years to come.

Steve Pearce, a former Republican congressman from New Mexico, will next need to clear a vote in the full Senate in the coming weeks to be confirmed.

Republican lawmakers are increasingly turning to the Congressional Review Act to overturn public lands management plans — but until now, it hadn't been used to target a national monument.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of major projects. Now, 80% of those regulations are being rescinded.