Dianne Bethell: Good news for rural Oregon

By Danielle Bethell campaign,

This week, the Trump Administration rescinded the Biden-era “Conservation and Landscape Health Rule,” commonly known as the Public Lands Rule.

For many communities across eastern Oregon and rural parts of our state, this is welcome news.

The Biden-era rule created serious concerns because it expanded the ability of federal agencies to restrict productive uses of public lands, including grazing, mining, energy development, and other activities that support rural economies and working families.

The federal government has a responsibility to manage public lands responsibly, but it also has a responsibility to recognize that these lands are tied directly to the livelihoods of Oregonians.

Too often, decisions made in Washington ignore the people who actually live and work in these communities.

I’ve spent years working with local leaders, timber interests, agricultural communities, and federal partners on issues involving wildfire recovery, forest management, and economic development. I understand how deeply connected these issues are to jobs, community stability, recreation, water access, and long-term recovery in rural Oregon.

Conservation and economic activity are not mutually exclusive. Oregon can protect natural resources while still supporting the industries and communities that depend on access to public lands.

What frustrated many Oregonians about the prior rule was the growing sense that local voices no longer mattered and that federal agencies were gaining more authority with less accountability.

That approach does not work for Oregon.

As Governor, I will continue pushing for balanced land management policies that respect rural communities, support responsible economic activity, and ensure that decisions affecting Oregon are not made without Oregon voices at the table.

With Election Day almost here, this campaign continues building momentum across every part of the state, including communities that have felt ignored for far too long.

If you believe Oregon needs leadership that understands both our natural resources and the people whose lives depend on them, I’d be grateful for your support.

Thank you,