The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in which employs 10,365 full-time equivalent staff Is one of the few federal agencies that generates more revenue than it spends according to Chanel 4 news in Reno Nevada. $4.2 billion of the revenues are from onshore energy development involving Federal lands, and over half for the money goes to the states where the leasing occurs. The overall outlook is that $122 Billion from extracting minerals support 550 thousand jobs here in America. This seems like a fantastic thing until we look at some of the things that got funding increases.
Under this budget proposal the BLM is to focus on the following PRIORITIES. The first on the list is called “Americas Great Outdoors” This could be overall proposed increase of $41 Million. $33.6 Million will be used for the BLM’s acquisition program. This is a huge increase for potentially acquiring land through eminent domain.
Next we look at the “New Energy Frontier Initiative” There is a proposed $5 million dollars for development of renewable energy on public land, kind of a drop in the bucket. This proposal also transfers $2 Million in the oil and Gas management program to the Renewable Energy Program. Also there are some proposed fees to be imposed on the oil and gas industry for inspections said to be critical BLM responsibility. It really makes one wonder who is going to really get that money and for doing what with Salazar in control.
A noble and ongoing program is “Sage Grouse Conservation” this program was started back in the early 90s as far as I can tell and remember. The Sage Grouse occupies 12 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. The Fish and Wildlife Service has criticized the BLM for neglecting to insure species conservation. Not surprising with Salazar at the helm.
Not quite sure why this is so limited but the “Western Oregon Forest Management Strategy” is to increase looking for rare, uncommon, or endangered species and the development and implication of a revised recovery plan for the Northern Spotted Owl while preparing for a timber sale analysis on federal land at the price of $1.5 million.
Last but by far not least the “Wild Horse and Burro Management Strategy” Salazar’s pet project! One can only speculate why there is a $2 Million dollar increase in this project and who it really benefits but it seems that population growth is an issue in the eyes of Salazar. The odd thing about this dilemma is that there are many private parties and people that would love to help with this project but the private sector has always been blocked. The BLM ultimately answers to know one so one can only speculate as to the real underlying reasons for operating behind such a wall, more grazing rights for cattle, preparing for total control of water rights, is there oil under the land there, more permits for mineral rights, who really knows besides Salazar and his good friend Harry Reid?
Possibly this $1.1 Billion will create a few new jobs but again this is tax payer money creating this the private sector is still left out in the cold and neglected. When dose it all stop Obama’s first budget proposal in these 4 years is going to drive the national debt another Trillion plus dollars into the red again, we need to spend less and shrink the government. This is just a minute part of this crazy spending spree that does nothing but needlessly bankrupt the United States, all part of the plan.
Please comment and post any related links to animal stories that are effected by the White House Budget Proposal that you find.
