On February 3, 2025, Secretary of the Department of the Interior Doug Bergum issued Secretarial Order 3418, Unleashing American Energy. While the order primarily concerns energy development regulation rollbacks, it also orders a 15-day internal review of our country’s national monuments and other Bureau of Land Management lands previously protected from mining and fossil fuels extraction.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust strongly opposes Secretarial Order 3418. This review by executive action bypasses the public input process typical of government actions of this scale and threatens the quality of life in our communities. Our national monuments were designated due to overwhelming support and advocacy from local communities, and as such, should not be altered without the public’s input and approval.

Recent national monument campaigns in California were grassroots-led by Tribes, local governments, businesses, and the thousands of community members they serve. Once designated, national monuments become integral parts of their communities’ economic and social fabric, driving tourism and elevating access to recreation.

Attacks on our public lands are an attack on California’s $81.5 billion outdoor recreation economy. This review threatens local jobs and quality of life, particularly in rural areas where outdoor recreation is a key driver of economic activity.

Public lands are also an important buffer against urbanization and other impacts to military installations, training, and testing activities throughout the state.

Secretarial Order 3418’s prioritization of energy development in our public lands ignores the public’s will and is not necessary given the United States’ surging energy production. Our nation’s domestic oil production is already soaring on currently utilized lands – the United States closed 2024 with record breaking oil production and remains the world’s largest crude oil producer. Adequate land has been made available to meet state energy goals through the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan and California’s balancing of conservation and energy production through its 30x30 program and renewable energy expansion.

This review of lands cherished by so many Americans and the decision to exclude the public from the process do not reflect the reality on the ground or the will of the people.