President Donald Trump, through an executive order focused on “Unleashing American Energy,” has directed US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to review and revise resource management plans, including the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP), Gillette News Record reports.
This move is seen as a significant victory for Wyoming communities concerned about restrictive federal regulations.
The decision follows criticism of the Rock Springs RMP, developed under the Biden administration, which imposed stringent land-use rules. Opponents argued that the plan threatened Wyoming’s ability to responsibly develop energy resources, maintain grazing operations, and support outdoor recreation. They contended it would harm the livelihoods of Wyoming residents and limit access to public lands.
Sweetwater County legislators expressed gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and commitment to protecting Western communities from federal overreach. In a joint statement, they praised the administration’s dedication to restoring local control and balanced land management.
“We know this is the first of many wins we will receive by Trump for our state and community,” the lawmakers said.
Sen. Stacy Jones, R-Rock Springs, a longtime advocate for public land access, celebrated the decision as a hard-earned victory.
“The fight for access to our public lands has paid off,” Jones said. “This is what I’ve worked so hard for — the task force meetings, public discussions, and difficult meetings with local BLM directors. But the hard work isn’t over yet — it has just reset!”
Rep. J.T. Larson, R-Rock Springs, commended the persistence of Wyoming residents in opposing the plan.
“For over a year, our community of Rock Springs has cried foul, pushing back with all the resources we had and then some,” Larson said. “Thanks to all of you, including our hardworking county commissioners. And a big thank you to President Trump, who heard loud and clear how disastrous this plan would be for Rock Springs for the next two decades and did something about it.”
Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs, acknowledged the efforts of current and former lawmakers who worked tirelessly to protect access to public lands.
“After all the hours, days, and months this Sweetwater delegation dedicated to the Rock Springs RMP, we finally have an equitable outcome,” Wylie said. “A special thanks to President Trump; thank you for listening to local people and supporting local solutions.”
The Sweetwater delegation emphasized their continued commitment to defending Wyoming’s interests.
“As Wyoming moves forward, we will remain vigilant against any future efforts to impose overreaching policies that jeopardize our state’s economy and traditions,” they stated. “We stand firm in our commitment to responsible stewardship and local control of our public lands.”
This decision marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader strategy to support energy development and reduce federal regulations that critics say have hindered growth and local decision-making.
