Tell BLM to Overturn Bush's "No More Wilderness" Policy

Please tell BLM Director Bob Abbey to overturn the Bush administration’s anti-wilderness legacy!

One year ago it seemed certain the Bush administration’s cronies in the oil and gas industry were going to carve up Utah’s precious redrock wilderness for their own short-term profit.  But with your help, we beat back their plan to drill in proposed wilderness areas on the doorstep of two national parks and a national monument.  Ever since, we have been pressing Congress and the Obama administration's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to overturn the Bush legacy on public lands by providing real protection for the magnificent landscapes proposed for wilderness in America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act.  And we’re making progress.

But here’s the rub: Bush Interior Secretary Gale Norton – now under investigation for her cozy relationships with oil executives – gave away the farm in 2003 when she struck a backroom deal with anti-wilderness forces prohibiting the BLM from protecting lands proposed for wilderness.  This ”No More Wilderness" settlement opened the door for the BLM to essentially give away wilderness-caliber lands to the oil and gas industry and motorized users, in places even the BLM itself recognizes as wilderness-quality.

Now, wilderness advocates from across the nation are calling on the BLM to overturn former-Secretary Norton’s sweetheart deal and chart a new course for Utah’s wilderness-quality landscapes.  Today, 89 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar detailing the steps needed to provide protection for the redrock until Congress makes a decision on wilderness designation. 

Please make your voice heard by writing to BLM Director Bob Abbey today and joining Congress’ call for action!

Thank you,
The SUWA Grassroots Team