DURANGO, Colo. — The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted on Tracy Stone-Manning as the possible new Director of the Bureau of Land Management July 22.

Since that time she has faced severe criticism from Sen. Jim Risch, R- Idaho

Her nomination has, however, advanced to the full Senate for a vote after the Energy and Natural Resources Committee deadlocked 10-10 along party lines.

As BLM director, “InsideClimateNews.org” says Stone-Manning would be positioned to play a significant role in the Biden Administration’s climate change policies, which would include conserving 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters and scaling back fossil fuel extraction on millions of acres of federal lands.

Three members of the Mountain Pact network of local elected officials have expressed their confidence in Stone-Manning to head the Bureau of Land Management.

Anna Peterson, executive director of The Mountain Pact expressed her support for Stone-Manning in a press release issued July 22.

“In serving in a variety of leadership roles over the last 20 years, Tracy has proven she is a skilled leader,” Peterson said. “She is eminently qualified to lead the Bureau of Land Management and she knows what local elected officials and communities need.

“She is committed to ensuring a balanced approach to land management — one informed by science and robust public participation,” she continued. “I am confident based on her record that she will work with diverse stakeholders and be an effective advocate for the conservation of America’s public lands.”