Lee & Daines Talk Land Sales, Interior Guts Science, Opens Alaska to Drilling

This week on The Wild Line, Senators Lee and Daines revive dangerous land sell-off efforts, the DOI axes key science protections, and Alaska faces a new wave of oil and gas drilling, because apparently, recess doesn’t mean rest for public lands.

Interior Targets Arctic Protections

The Department of the Interior moves to reverse a 2024 Biden-era rule that banned drilling in more than half of the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says the rollback restores “balance”, but conservation groups warn it sacrifices habitat and climate protections in favor of oil development.

Science on the Chopping Block

The 2026 budget proposal zeroes out new funding for the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, which studies ecological systems across the country. The current budget? $293 million. The proposed new spending? $0

Troubled Nominee Faces Scrutiny

 Michael Boren, Trump’s pick to oversee the Forest Service, is grilled over personal disputes with the agency, including a controversial cabin and private airstrip. He calls them “disagreements.” Senators call them red flags.

Public Lands Back on the Auction Block?

Senator Mike Lee hints at reinstating land sell-off language but with a twist: Montana might get a pass. Is this a bargaining chip to avoid backlash from the Montana delegation, or a quiet nod to privatization elsewhere?

RACA Is Coming Back

The Roadless Area Conservation Act is expected to be reintroduced next week. It would restore and codify protections for roadless areas in national forests, including Alaska’s Tongass. We talk to Alex Cohen of the Alaska Wilderness League about what’s at stake.

🛑 Don’t wait—call your Members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor RACA!

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Next Week on The Wild Idea:

Tuesday, June 10th, we talk to hunter and conservationist Randy Newberg on the importance of public lands to the sportsmen community, and the critical role hunters play in speaking up for our public commons. We cover the leading role his shows Fresh Tracks and Hunt Talk Radio play in connecting across the political spectrum. 

Friday, June 13th, your weekly Wild Line – a no-BS rundown of what’s happening in Washington that impacts public lands, climate, and conservation. Fast, focused, and fiercely pro-wild.

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