February 25 ,2026

DENVER – A coalition of oil and natural gas trade associations today voiced their strong support for President Trump’s nomination of Steve Pearce to be the director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Ahead of a confirmation hearing today in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the group sent a letter of support to Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-NM), stating, “Mr. Pearce is exceptionally qualified to lead BLM and to carry out the president’s priorities of unleashing energy, expanding access to recreation, and incentivizing conservation on public lands.”

The coalition is comprised of Western Energy Alliance, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Independent Petroleum Association of America, International Association of Drilling Contractors and U.S. Oil & Gas Association.

The following are statements from members of the coalition:

• Melissa Simpson, president of Western Energy Alliance: “Steve Pearce is exactly the kind of experienced, principled leader we need at the helm of the Bureau of Land Management. Growing up and building a small oilfield services business in New Mexico, he understands firsthand how sound BLM policies support both family-wage jobs and responsible development on our nation’s public lands. His long record in Congress shows a consistent commitment to multiple use—expanding domestic energy production, supporting grazing and recreation, and protecting truly special landscapes through targeted conservation. Our members strongly support his nomination and urge the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to move his confirmation forward without delay.”

• Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council: “Steve Pearce understands that America’s public lands are central to our nation’s energy security, economic growth, and job creation. As a former small oilfield services business owner, he knows how BLM policies directly impact the men and women developing our resources safely and responsibly. With energy demand rising and public lands already contributing significantly to U.S. oil and natural gas production, we need leadership that prioritizes multiple use, regulatory certainty, and timely permitting. Steve Pearce brings the practical experience and Western perspective needed to keep our public lands working for the American people, and we urge the Senate to confirm him without delay.”

• Dan Naatz, EVP and Chief Policy Officer of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA): “Independent oil and natural gas producers support Congressman Pearce's nomination to be the next Bureau of Land Management Director. It's important that the head of the bureau understand the multiple use mandate for federal lands management as enshrined in law. Pearce's background in Congress and serving the state of New Mexico qualify him to lead the agency. IPAA encourages the Senate to prioritize his consideration and confirmation, allowing BLM to operate at its highest capacity and carry out its vital mission.”

• Tim Stewart, president of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association: “Steve Pearce is exactly the kind of leader President Trump needs at BLM to advance his agenda to unleash American energy. Our nation is undergoing a wave of innovation not seen in a generation, driving new demand from homes, businesses, and energy‑hungry data centers powering artificial intelligence. At a time when our digital and physical lives both depend on reliable, affordable power, BLM’s role is more important than ever. With BLM lands already accounting for nearly 10 percent of U.S. oil and natural gas production, Steve Pearce is well positioned to help unlock the additional supplies needed to meet America’s growing energy needs.”

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