Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** White House launches American Climate Corps
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Thursday, September 21, 2023
Source: @whitehouse ([link removed])
Yesterday the White House launched the American Climate Corps ([link removed]) with the hope of putting 20,000 young people ([link removed]) to work over the next year combatting climate change and promoting clean energy. President Joe Biden signed an executive order ([link removed]) days after taking office that called for a strategy to create a Civilian Climate Corps. Biden and congressional allies had sought funding for the program in the original climate and social spending legislation dubbed the “Build Back Better Act,” but the
proposal was stripped from the final Inflation Reduction Act legislation.
The new program announced this week will pay ([link removed]) participants, and most positions will not require previous experience. The Biden administration is also proposing new regulations aimed at making it easier for participants to enter federal public service after the program. White House climate policy adviser Ali Zaidi said on a call with reporters ([link removed]) , "we’re not just opening up pathways to decarbonization, we're opening up pathways to good paying careers, lifetimes of being involved in the work of making our communities more sustainable, more fair, more resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
The American Climate Corps ([link removed]) is modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps ([link removed]) program that put millions to work during the Great Depression. The idea for a climate-specific corps is supported by the youth-led climate activist group, the Sunrise Movement ([link removed]) . "I am thrilled to say that the White House has been responsive to our generation's demand for a Climate Corps and that President Biden acknowledges that this is just the beginning of building the climate workforce of the future," said Varshini Prakash ([link removed]) , the group's executive director, who has advised the White House on climate issues.
In a separate announcement this week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced a $15 million funding commitment for the Indian Youth Service Corps ([link removed]) , a program designed to provide Indigenous youth with Tribally-led public service opportunities through construction, restoration, or rehabilitation of natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or scenic resources. “Through the Indian Youth Service Corps, the Biden-Harris administration is providing meaningful education, employment and training opportunities to Indigenous youth through conservation projects on public and Tribal lands,” said Secretary Haaland. ([link removed])
Extremist group that compares 30x30 to genocide is getting taxpayer money
At least five counties in Western states have paid tens of thousands in taxpayer funds to the American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) ([link removed]) , a right-wing extremist group that is pushing disinformation and fueling opposition to the science-backed national conservation goal of protecting 30 percent of America's lands and waters by 2030 (the 30x30 goal). In an effort to whip up opposition to 30x30 and court local elected officials with extremist views, ASL leaders are comparing the 30x30 goal to “genocide.”
While ASL might be lacking support from governors and members of Congress who previously worked alongside the group, it seems to be finding financial backing and support in some Western counties. CWP Deputy Director Aaron Weiss told The Daily Beast ([link removed]) , which reported on ASL's county-level support, “You’ve seen American Stewards retreating into their conspiracy theory comfort zone, as they were not able to successfully build that bridge into more respected conservative circles.” Some watchdog groups like Accountable.US have accused ASL of engaging in lobbying work, a violation of its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
ASL is headlining a three-day “Stop 30x30” conference in Texas this week that will feature the screening of a new film by the right-wing media group Epoch Times. The film, “No Farmers No Food: Will You Eat The Bugs?” is a reference to a conspiracy theory about ([link removed]) elites trying to crack down on food supplies and making people eat insects.
** Quick hits
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White House launches American Climate Corps
NPR ([link removed]) | NBC News ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | White House Fact Sheet ([link removed]) | American Climate Corps website ([link removed]) | Indian Youth Service Corps funding announcement ([link removed])
Winnemucca, Nevada braces for massive Thacker Pass lithium mine
Nevada Appeal ([link removed])
Pro-fracking public comments in Ohio stem from misleading ads
Washington Post ([link removed]) | Energy News Network ([link removed])
Extremist group that compares conservation goal to genocide is getting taxpayer money
The Daily Beast ([link removed])
Fish and Wildlife Service plan would protect 250k acres of Missouri River headwaters
Billings Gazette ([link removed])
Sen. Barrasso wants Interior to keep parks open during a government shutdown
E&E News ([link removed])
Opinion: A more balanced approach to conservation for the Bureau of Land Management
The Hill ([link removed])
A guide to Utah's public lands
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” The Biden administration continues to deliver on their ambitious conservation agenda, from five new national monument designations and land protections to this newly redesigned Civilian Climate Corps. These policies are imperative not only to turn the tide on climate change, but to safeguard our environment and the long-term economic health of the $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.”
—Outdoor Industry Association President Kent Ebersole ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Browns Canyon National Monument protects a stunning section of Colorado’s upper Arkansas River Valley. The monument features rugged granite cliffs, colorful rock outcroppings and mountain vistas that are home to various plants and wildlife, including bighorn sheep and golden eagles.
The area is a beacon to white water rafters and anglers looking to test their skills at catching brown and rainbow trout. During the fall, nature’s palette is on full display as the surrounding forests of aspen and cottonwood turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit.
Photo by Bob Wick / @mypubliclands ([link removed])
#publiclands ([link removed]) #colorado ([link removed]) #fishing ([link removed])
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