Old homestead lands can now be mined without specific government conditions

The Bureau of Land Management just removed some of its rules. These rules covered how the government handled mineral rights on land given out under a 1916 homestead act.

For over a century, the government kept mineral rights on certain lands given to homesteaders. It also had specific rules for how it would sell or lease those minerals. Removing these rules makes it simpler for the government to dispose of these mineral rights, potentially speeding up access for mining or energy companies.