Secretary Bernhardt Statement on BLM Realignment

07/16/2019
Last edited 07/16/2019

Date: July 16, 2019
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov


WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt released the following statement on Bureau of Land Management Realignment: 

"A meaningful realignment of our operations is not simply about where functions are performed; rather, it is rooted in how changes will better respond to the needs of the American people. Under our proposal, every Western state will gain additional staff resources. This approach will play an invaluable role in serving the American people more efficiently while also advancing the Bureau of Land Management's multiple-use mission. Shifting critical leadership positions and supporting staff to western states — where an overwhelming majority of federal lands are located — is not only a better management system, it is beneficial to the interest of the American public in these communities, cities, counties, and states."

 

  • Press Release
    05/15/2026

    Interior Begins Process to Streamline Permitting in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska

    Today, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced the start of a new effort to streamline permitting for oil and gas infrastructure in the approximately 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The effort comes in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association that requested the Bureau of Land Management amend its regulations to create a new development permit program in the petroleum reserve.

    Read more
  • Press Release
    05/06/2026

    Interior Transfers 1.4 Million Acres in Dalton Utility Corridor to State of Alaska

    Alaska – Today, the Department of the Interior announced a major Alaska statehood land transfer to convey approximately 1.4 million acres of land along the Dalton Utility Corridor to the State of Alaska. With conveyance of these lands north of the Yukon River, the Bureau of Land Management has fulfilled more than 96% of the state’s entitlement under the Alaska Statehood Act, expanding Alaska’s opportunities for resource development, strengthening local economies, and enhancing the state’s control of its own economic destiny.

    Read more
  • Press Release
    04/21/2026

    Department of the Interior Reopens Restored Tidal Basin Seawall

    The Department of the Interior today announced the completion and reopening of the rehabilitated Tidal Basin and Potomac River seawalls, marking a significant infrastructure milestone supported by President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act. Following a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the newly restored area is now open for public access.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment