Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Rafters bring momentum to conservation efforts in Colorado’s Dolores River Canyon
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Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Rafters along the Dolores River. Photo courtesy of Cody Perry, Rig to Flip
Rafters are flocking ([link removed]) to the Dolores River in southwest Colorado as record flows create some of the river’s best rafting conditions in decades. The strong flows are a result of record-high snowpack in the Dolores River Basin, which reached 237 percent of the median snow water equivalent ([link removed]) for the month of April.
The influx of recreationists brings momentum to ongoing local efforts to permanently protect the Dolores River Canyon. Legislation from U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper ([link removed]) and U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert ([link removed]) would establish a new national conservation area on the upper section of the river. In addition, a coalition ([link removed]) of community members, outdoor recreationists, and conservation groups strongly supports establishing permanent protections for the Dolores River Canyon—a sentiment that is shared by 90 percent of Coloradans ([link removed]) .
Watch the Center for Western Priorities’ short 4-minute video ([link removed]) , an installment of our Road to 30 Postcards ([link removed]) campaign, to hear from a native fish biologist, a county commissioner, and a healthy rivers advocate about what makes this region so special.
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Fossil fuel-friendly lawmakers tie debt ceiling to handouts for oil and gas industry
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Last week, the House narrowly passed H.R.2811 ([link removed]) , which would lift America’s debt limit, avoiding the economic catastrophe that would ensue if the U.S. defaults on its debt payments. But as Center for Western Priorities Policy Director Rachael Hamby details in a new blog post ([link removed]) , the package is full of industry handouts and would grant a wish list of exemptions from environmental review requirements. This approach is the exact opposite of what Westerners say they want their lawmakers to prioritize, and demonstrates that fossil fuel allies in the House care only about giveaways to oil and gas companies.
Quick hits
** Conservation momentum surges for southwest Colorado’s Dolores River as record flows draw rafters
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])
** Can you access Colorado's corner-locked public lands?
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5280 ([link removed])
** New California rule would ban sale of diesel trucks by 2036
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CNBC ([link removed]) | Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed])
** What a pending Supreme Court ruling could mean for Biden's new clean water protections
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Grist ([link removed])
** Navajo Nation officials, activists feel cut out as company advances uranium mining plans
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NM Political Report ([link removed])
** Another big Alaska fossil fuel project gets Biden team’s blessing
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Politico ([link removed])
** Colorado lawmakers “belly flop” on water crisis, opting for further study of Colorado River over action
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The Denver Post ([link removed])
** Supreme Court grants case that could end Chevron doctrine
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E&E News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” Recreation is how you begin to love a place and learn about a place. It’s hard to care about something you’ve never seen.”
—Rica Fulton, advocacy and stewardship director for Dolores River Boating Advocates, Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Picture this
** @YellowstoneNPS ([link removed])
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Pro tip: Enjoy the Ride! There’s often wildlife in the road. Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures, and let other cars pass. Help ensure everyone’s safety by not stopping your vehicle in the road. #SpringBabies ([link removed])
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