Are we about to pave paradise to put up a parking lot?

Recently, the US Forest Service was tasked with cutting costs by firing around 3,400 recent hires while the National Park Service is terminating about 1,000 workers. While that has raised plenty of eyebrows, a new mandate is initiating a 15-day internal review of national monuments, and other Bureau of Land Management lands, that were previously protected from mining and fossil fuel extraction. 

These actions have received praise but also raised concerns among conservation groups and local communities.

Context:

Secretary's Order 3418, titled "Unleashing American Energy," was issued by Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, on February 3, 2025. This order aligns with President Trump's energy policy, aiming to encourage the economy by leveraging energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters to solidify the United States as a global energy leader.

However, critics argue that prioritizing energy development in these protected areas could lead to environmental degradation, negatively impacting ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and the cultural and recreational value of these lands. 

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance warned that SO 3418 is part of a series of orders promoting fossil fuel interests, potentially at the expense of conservation efforts.

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While SO 3418 aims to boost domestic energy production, it has sparked significant concern regarding the potential adverse effects on national parks, monuments, and other protected public lands. 

Both sides- you decide

The US is in desperate needs of strategic initiatives to bolster U.S. energy independence, enhance national security, and create economic opportunities. The thought it that streamlining responsible resource development on federal lands, and cutting bureaucratic red tape will help expedite reviews, and ensure third parties who would benefit from red tape are not absorbing taxpayer dollars by keeping projects in state or “red-tape hell.” This was specifically mentioned by President Trump on the Joe Rogan Experience. 

This order would help ensure that America fully utilizes its vast natural resources while maintaining environmental safeguards. Energy production on public lands contributes billions of dollars to local economies, funds conservation efforts, and reduces reliance on foreign energy sources. Proponents of the bill claim they are not seeking to destroying parks, but to promote balanced land use, allowing for both energy development and continued recreation, tourism, and conservation where appropriate.

However…

It would be easy to make the argument that SO 3418 prioritizes short-term energy profits over long-term environmental preservation by fast-tracking fossil fuel development on protected federal lands. Critics would claim that by sidelining public input and weakening conservation safeguards, it opens the door to habitat destruction, pollution, and the degradation of national monuments and public parks that Americans cherish. Which we have seen countless examples of ecosystems being destroyed by human development. One could say this order represents a shift away from responsible land stewardship, risking irreversible damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and communities that rely on tourism and outdoor recreation. Rather than ensuring balanced land use, SO 3418 tilts heavily in favor of extractive industries at the expense of future generations.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Leave a comment and call your congressman today!