** Oil and gas methane emissions drastically underestimated
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Oil and gas drilling may be to blame for more methane emissions than previously thought | J ([link removed]) ohn Ciccarelli, BLM ([link removed])

A new study has found that oil and gas production may be to blame ([link removed]) for more methane emissions than previously thought. The study, published in Nature ([link removed]) , demonstrates that methane emissions from natural phenomena, such as from the ocean bed or mud volcanoes, are far smaller than estimates ([link removed]) used in calculations. These findings, when taken in tandem with the fact that atmospheric methane concentrations have more than doubled since preindustrial times, mean that human fossil-fuel methane emissions may be underestimated by 24 to 40 percent.

The study is consistent with recent research showing that North American gas production resulted in about a third of the global increase in methane emissions in the past decade ([link removed]) , as well as a study in 2018 that found methane emissions from oil and gas supply chain could be 60 percent higher than EPA estimates ([link removed]) . Investigative journalism has also shown immense quantities of methane escaping from oil and gas infrastructure ([link removed]) , even as the Trump administration weakens restrictions.

The new report argues for placing stricter methane emission regulations on the fossil fuel industry, especially as methane is an incredibly potent greenhouse gas with more human origins than thought; meaning that such restrictions may reduce climate change more than previously thought.


** Symposium addresses future of conservation
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New Mexico Senator Tom Udall and Montana Governor Steve Bullock are expected to speak today at Colorado College's symposium on the future of western conservation. The symposium celebrates the tenth annual Conservation in the West Poll ([link removed]) release.
Quick hits


** BLM to publish sage-grouse management documents, pushes to lift order blocking weaker plans
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Post Register ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Analysis finds Glenwood Springs quarry expansion would have dire effects
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A ([link removed]) spen Daily News ([link removed])


** Border wall cuts through native burial sites
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National Public Radio ([link removed]) | Sonoma State Star ([link removed])


** Oil and gas methane emissions drastically underestimated, study shows
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New York Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Migratory pronghorn, sage-grouse trigger drilling lawsuit
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Jackson Hole D ([link removed]) aily ([link removed])


** Navy looks to expand Nevada air training range, but how much is too much?
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The Nevada Independent ([link removed])


** Colorado office to help communities transition away from coal
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The Denver Post ([link removed])


** Opinion: Migration corridors are vital to big game species
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Jackson Hole News&Guide ([link removed])
Quote of the day
I am no [human resources] specialist, but it sure appears to be hinky.”
—Jonathan Jarvis, past Director of the National Park Service,
On Interior Secretary Bernhardt's hiring of P. Daniel Smith
E ([link removed]) &E News ([link removed])
Picture this


** m ([link removed]) ypubliclands ([link removed])
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Few U.S. communities have to contend with ice fog, which forms from fine #IceCrystals ([link removed]) suspended in extremely cold air. The sun shined through this #WinterScene ([link removed]) at BLM Fairbanks District Office while the temperature was -15 degrees. 📷: Craig McCaa, BLM.
#ExtremeCold ([link removed]) #Snow ([link removed]) #AlaskaAdventures ([link removed]) #ExploreAlaska ([link removed]) #StayWarm ([link removed])

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