<[link removed]> Summer is officially in full swing, and Congress is out for recess, but that doesn’t mean anything has slowed down. One specific item we’re paying close attention to comes from the Department of Interior. In April, the Bureau of Land Management proposed a new rule <[link removed]> that would redefine conservation as a public land use within the Federal Land Planning Management Act and allow for increased protection of “Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.” The intent of this significant revision seems focused on ending fossil fuel production on federal lands and waters, an action that would have many negative implications, including for conservation. Because the vast majority of U.S. funding for conservation is derived from oil and gas royalties and leases, reducing, or eliminating such activity would result in serious cuts to conservation funding available to federal and state resource agencies. ConservAmerica previously <[link removed]> cautioned the Administration against imposing more top-down federal regulations and locking away more lands under federal control, and to that end, will be submitting a comment for the record on this proposed rule. The comment period has been extended to July 5, and all comments may be submitted here <[link removed]> . Shifting gears, we’d like to welcome Congressman David Valadao <[link removed]> (CA-22) to the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC)! As a second-generation farmer, Rep. Valadao’s time in Congress has been focused on agricultural and water policy. Members of the RCC have been pivotal in shaping legislation to protect and enhance our environment, and we are pleased to have the Congressman on board. We want to take a moment to remind our readers that we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the generous support of donors like you. With your help, we can continue to provide leadership on environmental and conservation issues based on the principles of respect for free markets, property rights, and personal responsibility. If you support the work we do, please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation. You can click here <[link removed]> to donate. As we enter the July 4th weekend, we wish everyone an Independence Day celebration filled with fun, family, and friends. Looking for a way to enjoy outdoor fun? Check out this page <[link removed]> from the National Park Service to help you plan your weekend adventure, and don’t forget to tag us on Facebook (@ConservAmerica) with your great outdoor fun photos. Please remember to celebrate safely and responsibly and enjoy the holiday weekend everyone! June Highlights <[link removed]> Commentary: Natural gas continues to lead the way <[link removed]> With the beginning of summer and the deluge of other news, it’s been easy to miss the constant drumbeat of reports and events that highlight the critically important role that natural gas plays in our country’s economic and national security. But if you take a step back, the trends are inescapable. Just last week, the Energy Information Administration reported <[link removed]> that global trade in liquified natural gas increased by 5% in 2022, setting a new all-time record. LNG exports from the U.S. grew the most, increasing by 14%. In fact, during the first half of 2022, the U.S. was the world’s largest LNG exporter before falling back slightly in the second half after one export facility was closed for repairs. Read more from ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer at the link. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Lobstermen Win Significant Legal Victory <[link removed]> The lobstermen of Maine won a significant legal victory this past week when the D.C. Circuit Court ruled against actions taken by the federal government to protect the endangered right whale. In Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) vs. the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Court struck down <[link removed]> a controversial biological opinion that applied a worst-case scenario to develop its regulations. The intent of a biological opinion is to analyze the effects of a proposed action on ESA-listed species and or designated critical habitat. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Federalist Society and ConservAmerica CoHost Luncheon on Environmental Enforcement <[link removed]> On June 20, 2023, The Federalist Society's Regulatory Transparency Project and ConservAmerica cohosted a luncheon event titled Environmental Enforcement: Policies, Priorities, and the Rule of Law. A panel of experts, comprised of leading voices on environmental enforcement, discussed past and current environmental enforcement priorities, policies, and actions at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice, the value of transparency and impartiality in environmental enforcement, and share varying perspectives on the future of environmental enforcement in the United States. Watch the video replay here. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> WATCH: ConservAmerica's Quill Robinson on Fox Business <[link removed]> In Case You Missed It, ConservAmerica senior adviser Quill Robinson appeared on Fox Business' "The Money Show" this past month to argue that the U.S. must deploy an 'all of the above' energy approach to compete with China. Watch the video replay here. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Commentary: China wants to be energy superpower. Here’s how they can be stopped <[link removed]> At the G7 conference, President Joe Biden predicted a coming "thaw" in relations with Beijing. A day later, the Department of Energy announced that it is revoking a $200 million grant to Texas-based battery company due to its connections with China. Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to stabilize the relationship, tension over energy security is heating up. Ensuring American energy dominance at home and combating Chinese influence abroad requires a bold new strategy. Read more from ConservAmerica’s Quill Robinson at the link. Read More <[link removed]> Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. With your help, we can continue to provide leadership on environmental and conservation issues based on the principles of respect for free markets, property rights, and personal responsibility. Donate <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Follow us! ConservAmerica, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, United States Unsubscribe <[link removed]>