NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – President Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as the director of the Bureau of Land Management.

BLM, which falls under the Interior Department, manages 245 million acres of public lands and 700 million acres of mineral estate across the United States.

Story continues below • New Mexico Election Results • News: Tim Keller says he is ready for runoff election • News: Darren White says he will face Tim Keller in December runoff • Beyond the Forecast: Cerro Grande Fire – A look at one of New Mexico’s most destructive wildfires

The president's nomination is heading to the Senate for approval. Earlier this year, President Trump nominated Kathleen Sgamma of Colorado to the role; however, she withdrew her nomination

See Full Page