Economy Politics USA Wyoming

Wyoming Governor Pushes for Changes to BLM Land Use Plan

Wyoming Governor Pushes for Changes to BLM Land Use Plan
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) at the 2024 summer meeting of the National Governors Association in Salt Lake City in July (Rick Bowmer / AP)
  • PublishedOctober 24, 2024

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has expressed dissatisfaction with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rock Springs resource management plan, which covers millions of acres in the state’s southwest.

Despite recent adjustments to reduce proposed conservation areas, Gordon wants further changes to ensure the plan does not hinder access to existing mining claims, oil, and gas leases.

Governor Gordon’s review, submitted to the BLM, reflects concerns about the impact on the state’s energy and mining industries. US Senator John Barrasso also criticized the plan, stating that Wyoming depends on access to federal lands for economic growth and resource development.

Both state leaders are calling for the plan to be revised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to key resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals in the region.

Wyoming News Now, E&E News, and Newswire Ein contributed to this report.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.