Protest Jan. 2 at BLM’s new offices on Horizon Drive.
About 35 people turned out in 27 degree weather to protest a visit from Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) William Perry Pendley, a right wing anti-government zealot who was appointed to head the BLM without Senate approval.
Pendley was scheduled to visit the new Grand Junction BLM office on the morning of its first opening day.
The protest was at the BLM’s new offices at 760 Horizon Drive, which is also the same building that houses the corporate offices of oil and gas purveyor Chevron.
KKCO, KJCT, the Daily Sentinel and Colorado Public Radio were on scene covering the protest.
Pendley advocates the selling off of all public lands. In a January 19, 2016 article in National Review, Pendley wrote “The Founding Fathers intended all lands owned by the federal government to be sold.” Pendley has sued the BLM on behalf of oil and gas companies, worked to undermine protections for endangered species like Grizzly bears and Sage Grouse, and pushed to radically shrink the size of protected federal lands to make developing those lands easier — all positions hostile towards federal lands. The BLM’s mission is stewardship and conservation of public lands, which makes Pendley’s appointment a threat to the agency’s mission.
Move to G.J. is manifestation of Trump’s strategy to gut federal agencies
Trump’s Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told Republicans at a fundraiser in August, 2019 (video) that moving federal agencies out of Washington, D.C. is a strategy the Trump administration is using to force large numbers of experienced federal employees to quit. The goal of the Administration is to hollow out and weaken federal agencies that generate objective research and produce information in the public interest, and make it easier for private businesses to expand. Moving the BLM to Grand Junction is part of this plan.
Protesters showed up to voice support for protecting and conserving public lands, which are an important part of the local economy.
.
Thanks for those of you who went to protest. How did you hear about it? I would have liked to be there.
Many people have NO idea what and who these agencies serve unfortunately. This move is only meant to undermine their influence and authority. Demoralize the agency. Pretty much what this Frump administration is doing to all agencies that protect our commonwealth..air water and every natural resource. I and many are shocked daily by the immorality we are tolerating. systematic dismantling government protections so we will continue to be fed to the wolves of wall street and global corporate powers. Need a 2020 revolution of our political and financially corrupt system!
Very good summary, Anne, of the local support for public lands and for the BLM, as a lands management agency, before Mr’s Trump and Pendley wreck havoc.
Let’s hope the local TV stations that were present today get this story out to their national networks.