The Bureau of Land Management oversees much of Utah’s land for grazing, oil and gas, mining and logging. On April 18, the agency published the new Public Lands Rule that puts conservation on par with those commercial uses in an endeavor to build resilience to climate change. The BLM says that the rule restores balance on public lands by establishing “restoration and mitigation leases” and clarifying protections for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. …Conservation groups laud the rule, arguing that it fills gaps in the current implementation of the agency’s mandate… But industry representatives and Utah politicians say that the change poses a threat to their lifestyles and livelihoods. …Sen. Mike Lee said, “This misguided rule will hamper critical projects such as mineral extraction and strike a harsh blow to small family-run businesses dependent on BLM land access.” Rep. John Curtis agreed, adding it will allow private companies to capitalize on public land.