The WEST Act: What It Means for Public Land and Motorized Recreation

By Del Albright
Advocate for Access | Public Lands Steward | Veteran Voice for the Trail

⚖️ Background: What Is the WEST Act?

In mid-2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) introduced a sweeping new rule called the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. This rule aimed to formally recognize conservation as an official land “use” under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), putting it on equal footing with grazing, mining, energy development, and recreation. It also proposed expanding Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs), potentially restricting access and use of vast areas of public land.

But the backlash was swift.

Enter the Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2024, also known as H.R. 3397.

What Happened: How Did We Get Here?

The WEST Act, pushed by western lawmakers like Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT) and Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID), was crafted in direct opposition to the BLM’s new conservation rule. Their argument? That the BLM had overstepped its authority and was threatening traditional land uses—especially in rural and economically fragile western communities.

The WEST Act passed Congress and was signed into law in late 2024, officially revoking the BLM’s conservation rule and blocking the agency from enforcing any similar policies in the future.

Why It Matters to Us: Motorized Recreation and Public Land Access

For those of us who enjoy responsible off-roading, overlanding, and camping on public lands, this law is a significant development. Here’s why:

• The BLM’s original rule could have severely limited access to areas reclassified as ACECs or “conservation leases.” Some of these might have included our favorite trailheads, staging areas, or dune zones.

• Motorized recreation is a legitimate use of public land—and for decades, we’ve fought to keep access open while practicing and teaching sustainability. This rule could have shifted that balance.

• By repealing the BLM’s rule, the WEST Act reinforces the multiple-use mandate of FLPMA—meaning recreation, grazing, conservation, and development must all be considered equally.

The Debate: Conservation vs. Access?

Let’s be clear—I’m not talking about being anti-conservation. I am for balanced stewardship.

Groups like the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) argue that the BLM rule was about giving conservation its rightful place in land management. But critics saw it as a backdoor land grab that could have locked out traditional users under the guise of environmental protection.

The WEST Act lands firmly on the side of local control, access, and economic balance, especially in the West where public lands are a lifeline.

️ What’s Next?

• Expect new legal battles. Environmental groups will likely challenge the WEST Act or seek workarounds.

• Local BLM offices may slow or halt changes to land use designations that were planned under the old rule.

• Advocates like us need to stay vigilant. This win doesn’t mean the fight is over—it means the game has changed again.

Final Thought

Public land belongs to all of us. The WEST Act is a reminder that we must stay involved, stay informed, and keep working together to promote sustainable motorized recreation that respects the land and our rights to access it.

Let’s not get sidelined—let’s stay on the trail and keep the conversation rolling.

Follow more land-use updates and trail advocacy stories right here at DelAlbright.com.