Governor Gordon Appreciates Commitment from BLM to Better
Incorporate Wyoming’s Perspective into Rock Springs RMP
CHEYENNE, Wyo. –Governor Mark Gordon appreciates that the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) has extended the current comment period on the Rock
Springs Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
an additional 60 days, ending on January 17, 2024. Even more so, he welcomes
the news – following lengthy and frank discussions – that the BLM is committing
to roll up its sleeves to work with Wyoming people.
That said, the current preferred alternative is unacceptable,
and the Governor is disappointed that a unified request for a withdrawal
of the proposed EIS made by the Governor, Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation,
Wyoming County Commissioners and Wyoming industries was not granted. However,
it is important to remember that the extension comes with a commitment from BLM
to work closely with Wyoming people and truly hear their concerns during this
additional comment period. The additional time gives stakeholders who
work, recreate, enjoy the natural resources, and help conserve wildlife within
the Rock Springs BLM management area to provide substantive comments to shape
an acceptable, well-reasoned final proposal.
“This extension will allow Wyoming citizens additional
opportunities for engagement in this important process,” Governor Gordon said.
“When the preferred alternative was announced, it came as a surprise to many of
those who had worked for years on the draft document. That’s because there was
a gap of two years during which the cooperating agencies' meetings on the draft
Rock Springs Management Plan did not take place.”
In addition, Governor Gordon committed state agencies to
continue their diligent work to propose substantive comments supporting the
best use of the remarkable resources within the BLM Rock Springs District and
protect Wyoming’s interests.
The Governor has directed the University of Wyoming’s
Ruckelshaus Institute to convene workshops for stakeholders, including, but not
limited to, local government officials, legislators, conservationists, grazing
interests, hunters, recreationists, trona, oil and gas, and the general public
to discuss the proposed alternatives identified in the plan and EIS. The UW School
of Energy Resources and the College of Agriculture will assist in gathering and
recording information for these workshops. The BLM has assured the Governor
that they will participate in all the workshops to which they are invited.
Additional information on these workshops will be forthcoming.
The BLM is obligated to review and consider all comments before
making a final decision on the final EIS and eventually Record of Decision for
the management plan. The draft RMP and information on how to comment can be
found on the following link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/13853/510
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