Congress of the United States Washington, B€ 20515 June 4, 2015 ‘The Honorable Neil Kernze Director Bureau of Land Management 1849 C Street NW, Rm, 5665 ‘Washington DC 20240 Dear Director Kornze, ‘We write with concems withthe Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) proposal fo merge the Arizona and New Menico state BLM offices. Although we appreciate our staffs being briefed by BLM Deputy Director Steve Ellis, we remain concemed that BLM has not shared a comprehensive analysis ofthe proposal, reached out to stakeholders, or solicited public input in ether New Mexico or Arizona, Deputy Director Elis explained that BLM expects to save a significant amount of money by merging the two state offices. We recognize the need for BLM to operate efficiently, but we remain concemed thet this proposal could negatively impact BLM’s ability to meet the unique needs of stakeholders from both states. Given the eritical role that the BLM plays in our stat related to oil and gas development, grazing, recreation, and other mineral development, many of our constituents are concert that such # merger ‘would be inappropriate hecause of the distinct land-management missions of each state office. [As part of BLM’ effort to inereases services, Deputy Director Elis explained that the BLM intends to ‘e-invest all savings from the merger into Arizona and New Mexico field and district offices, Before the [Bureau further considers a merger, we request fll explanation of how the savings ftom the proposed 'merger would be used, including whether they would exclusively be used to suppor the field and district offices in these two states ‘We also expect BLM to solicit stakeholder and public feedback before making a final decision. Active engagement wit the publi is essential for a successful merger. We expect BLM to seriously consider the public's concems, comments, and ideas before deciding what actions, if any, that it wil take, ‘We believe thatthe BLM should 1) conduct an analysis to determine whether the merger would enhance the BLM's ability to serve our constituents; 2) provide an estimate of how anticipated cost savings would be reinvested in each state; 3) reach out to stakeholders and incorporate their comments into any potential action thatthe BLM pursues. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to receiving a written response regarding these three issues. Som, fh Ls, Ohare : eran Nal Tea ae Frage CuO 4 of Mitte Ln Bo “Bea Ray Tajan ‘Michelle Lujan Grisham ee cee eit