Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce as director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. In response to the confirmation, Hispanic Access Foundation’s President and CEO, Maite Arce, released the following statement:
“As new leadership takes the helm at the Bureau of Land Management with the confirmation of Steve Pearce as Director, Hispanic Access Foundation calls on the agency to uphold its responsibility to protect our nation’s public lands for current and future generations.
“Public lands belong to all of us. They are places of culture, connection, healing, recreation, and opportunity for communities across the country. Their management must reflect the voices, values, and lived experiences of the communities who depend on them, including Latino, Indigenous, and frontline communities that have long served as caretakers of our natural and cultural heritage.
“The Bureau of Land Management oversees some of the nation’s most treasured landscapes and culturally significant places. Its decisions must balance responsible use with durable conservation, climate resilience, biodiversity, clean water protection, cultural preservation, equitable public access, and the long-term economic well-being of communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to healthy public lands.
“At a time when our public lands face growing environmental, social, and economic pressures, we need federal leadership that works in partnership with communities, respects Tribal sovereignty and local knowledge, and recognizes that protecting public lands also supports local economies, outdoor recreation, jobs, and the well-being of future generations.
“Hispanic Access Foundation urges Director Pearce to advance policies that safeguard our shared natural heritage while ensuring communities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the lands, waters, wildlife, and outdoor spaces they cherish. Protecting public lands is not only an environmental responsibility, it is an investment in the health, economic vitality, and future of our communities.
“Hispanic Access, alongside Latino families, faith and community leaders, and advocates across the country, stands ready to work with Director Pearce to support the critical mission of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and help ensure our public lands remain protected, accessible, and resilient for generations to come.”
