Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming has voiced his disapproval of the Biden-Harris administration's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP), as put forth by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In a statement, Barrasso emphasized the significance of federal lands to Wyoming's economy and community welfare. He stressed the necessity for access to resources such as oil, natural gas, trona, and other minerals in the state.
"The Biden-Harris Rock Springs Resource Management Plan remains unacceptable," stated Barrasso. "The people of Wyoming depend on federal lands to make a living, provide for our children and communities, and grow our economy. We and the rest of America need access to the oil, natural gas, trona, and other minerals in this area of the state. The final plan must not block access to these important resources."
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also submitted a Consistency Review regarding the plan, which aligns with Barrasso's stance. The senator expressed gratitude towards Governor Gordon for his involvement in addressing this issue.
Barrasso has been vocal about his opposition since August 2024 when he criticized BLM's announcement on the management plan. His concerns were previously raised during several committee hearings throughout 2024 with various officials including Shannon Estenoz, Tracy Stone-Manning, and Deb Haaland.
In October 2023, Barrasso collaborated with Senators Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming and Mike Lee and Mitt Romney from Utah in expressing their concerns through a letter addressed to BLM Director Stone-Manning about revisions to the RMP.