Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** White House tells agencies to measure the value of nature
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Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Aerial view of Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Velkiira, CC BY-SA 2.0 ([link removed])
New guidance from the White House aims to put an economic value on nature ([link removed]) —specifically, the benefits that ecosystems deliver for people.
In a joint blog post ([link removed]) , the heads of the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Science and Technology Policy explain that these benefits, which the White House calls "ecosystem services," are often sidelined in the benefit-cost analyses that government agencies use to make sure policies are having a positive impact on Americans.
For example, wetlands protect against property damage from flooding. Trees, while having value as an agricultural product, provide shade, climate benefits, and wildlife habitat when left intact. New draft guidance published today ([link removed]) would instruct agencies across the federal government to ensure that the full value of ecosystems are captured during the decision-making process.
The importance of measuring the economic value of nature was explained earlier this year in a New York Times video op-ed ([link removed]) featuring British economics professsor Sir Partha Dasgupta and actor Alexander Skarsgård.
** Quick hits
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Audubon: Climate change is a bigger threat to birds than power lines. Here's the right way to expand the grid
Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
An antiquated law rules mining in the West
High Country News ([link removed])
As Joshua trees burn, massive wildfire could forever alter Mojave Desert
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
White House tells agencies to consider the economic benefits of ecosystems
E&E News ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed])
Oil train opponents look to expiring tunnel lease for leverage
Colorado Newsline ([link removed])
Conservation could get a huge boost on millions of acres
Sierra Magazine ([link removed])
Six-county agreement could make sure groundwater stays in Colorado's San Luis Valley
Colorado Politics ([link removed])
How wolf reintroduction is supposed to go—and how it's actually going
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Failing to fully account for nature’s bounty has led to under-valuing and erosion of our nation’s natural assets. When we account for our environment, we are able to harness opportunities to confront climate change, promote prosperous and resilient communities, and invest in strong infrastructure. We must measure what we value, not just value what is simple to measure.”
—OIRA Administrator Richard L. Revesz and OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar, whitehouse.gov ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
The Cosumnes is the last free-flowing river from the Sierra Nevada Mountains into California’s Great Central Valley, where it joins with the Mokelumne. Here, the rivers form a matrix of wetlands, riparian forest, and natural floodplains, with upland oak woodlands, savannas and vernal pools. These lands form critical habitats for migrating and wintering birds, essential waterways for native fish, and significant social and economic benefits for Valley communities.
In partnership with 11 organizations, we manage crucial acreage in the Cosumnes River Preserve, home to the state’s largest remaining riparian oak forest. Through #RestorationLandscapes ([link removed]) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will improve hydrologic function and landscape connectivity, control invasive species, and reduce hazardous fuels, ensuring this remarkable preserve is protected for future generations.
Alt Text: Two sandhill cranes stand in grassy vegetation, facing opposite directions.
📷 Bob Wick. Cosumnes River Preserve, Bureau of Land Management - California.
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