| Abbey steps down as BLM director |
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| Written by Wild Nevada |
| Monday, 14 May 2012 13:24 |
 Bob Abbey, the director of the Bureau of Land Management and a former Reno-area resident, has announced his retirement from the BLM.Abbey was appointed to the post in 2009 by President Barack Obama after being recommended by Sen. Harry Reid. Abbey had previously been Nevada’s BLM director. At the national helm, Abbey helped usher in the era of renewable energy projects on public lands – a key priority of Obama’s administration. Abbey OK’d 29 large-scale renewable energy projects on public land, including 16 solar projects, eight geothermal plants and five wind farms. A key issue for the BLM in Abbey’s absence is how to promote conservation efforts for the sage-grouse, which is a candidate for Endangered Species List. Abbey has expressed confidence that the listing, which would have widespread and devastating impacts on public land-use in Nevada, can be avoided. Deputy BLM Director Mike Pool will serve as acting director. |
