“This is really about balancing the needs of our public lands.”
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Rhetoric vs. reality on the Public Lands Rule
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Tuesday, June 20, 2023
BLM Deputy Director of Policy and Programs Nada Wolff Culver, Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry, and Western Energy Alliance President Kathleen Sgamma testify at the House Natural Resources Committee hearing ([link removed]) on the proposed BLM public lands rule.
In a hearing Thursday morning, the House Natural Resources Committee heard testimony ([link removed]) about the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Public Lands Rule ([link removed]) that would allow land managers to treat conservation as one of the multiple uses of BLM land.
The four-hour long hearing ([link removed]) was filled with bombastic predictions of doom from some members of the committee and witnesses, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who unleashed a torrent of conspiracy theories while making it clear she didn’t understand the proposal itself or even which lands in her state it would apply to. By contrast, BLM Deputy Director for Policy Nada Wolff Culver calmly took question after question and provided clear answers straight from the Federal Land Policy and Management Act ([link removed]) and the text of the proposed rule ([link removed]) .
A new post at the Center for Western Priorities' Westwise blog takes a look at rhetoric vs. reality from the hearing ([link removed]) . During the hearing, Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico emerged as a strong proponent ([link removed]) of the rulemaking, directly addressing what she called “narratives and misinformation that, in my mind, is intended to scare the American people.”
“Because it’s just simply not true and much of what I’ve heard here today is just not true,” Stansbury said ([link removed]) . “This is really about balancing the needs of our public lands.”
The Bureau of Land Management has extended the public comment period on the proposed rule to 90 days. You can add your feedback at regulations.gov ([link removed]) through July 5th.
** BLM Restoration Landscape: Cosumnes Watershed
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In celebration of the Bureau of Land Management’s $161 million investment in Western landscape restoration projects, Look West is highlighting a different "Restoration Landscape ([link removed]) " each day for 21 days. Today's landscape is the Cosumnes Watershed—the last free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada mountains into California's Central Valley. BLM is dedicating $7.6 million to improve hydrologic function and landscape connectivity, control invasive species, and reduce hazardous fuels.
Quick hits
** As the Colorado River declines, scarcity and the hunt for new sources drive up water rates
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Inside Climate News ([link removed])
** Addressing misinformation and fearmongering on the proposed Public Lands Rule
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NM Political Report ([link removed]) | Wyofile ([link removed]) | Westwise ([link removed])
** Opinions: BLM needs to manage lands for all people
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Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed]) [Editorial] | Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
** BLM announces plans for 95,000 acre oil and gas lease sale in Wyoming
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Cheyenne Post ([link removed])
** Judge gives oil company 3 years to close pipeline on Tribal land in Wisconsin
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KARE 11 ([link removed])
** Opinion: Chaco gains reprieve from new drilling
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Durango Herald ([link removed])
** Appeals court dismisses Trump-era case on Alaska refuge land exchange
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Anchorage Daily News ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed])
** Zion National Park's first Pride was a joyful act of resistance
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Huffpost ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” The definition of multiple use is very clear. It includes, for example, natural, scenic, scientific, and historical values. Those are certainly aspects of conservation, as are management of habitat. I think the quote that I’ve read a few times lately comes from former governor of Idaho, Mr. Andrus, who was the secretary of the Interior when FLPMA [the Federal Land Policy and Management Act] passed in 1976. And he talked about the importance of public lands to all Americans. And said in response to the passage of FLPMA, ‘Conservation is no longer a pious ideal, it is an element of our survival.’”
—BLM Deputy Director of Policy and Programs Nada Wolff Culver ([link removed])
Picture this
A father helping his child repel down a small rock formation while another child looks on.
** @mypubliclands ([link removed])
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Happy Father’s Day to all dads and father figures!
Today is all about spending time with family and celebrating dad. #YourPublicLands can be the perfect place for exploring, discovering, and connecting. Grab your hiking gear, and head out on your next adventure!
📷 Jesse Pluim, Fossil Falls Campground, Bureau of Land Management - California
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