** Trump comes around on LWCF
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020
Bandelier National Monument, National Park Service ([link removed])
After three years of pushing to eviscerate the Land and Water Conservation Fund, President Trump performed a sudden and complete reversal ([link removed]) on Tuesday, publicly calling on Congress ([link removed]) to fully and permanently fund America's most important conservation program.
In recent years, Congress has ignored the President's budget requests ([link removed]) , which would have eliminated almost all discretionary spending on LWCF. The program was permanently re-authorized in March 2019, but that authorization did not guarantee ongoing funding.
With his tweet, President Trump brings his position in line with Western voters, who have consistently and overwhelmingly expressed support for full LWCF funding. CWP's Winning the West ([link removed]) poll last year found four out of five voters ([link removed]) in Western swing states supported full funding. Colorado College's Conservation in the West Poll ([link removed]) , released last month, found similar support ([link removed](20003%20-%20d1d).pdf) across the entire Mountain West.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who previously blocked full LWCF funding, appeared to fall in line with the president, saying in a statement ([link removed]) , "It is a priority for the President. And it is a priority for me. We will turn to it in a timely manner."
** Go West, David J. Hayes
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In the latest episode of CWP's Go West, Young Podcast ([link removed]) , a conversation with David J. Hayes ([link removed]) , former Deputy Interior Secretary and head of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center ([link removed]) at NYU School of Law. The Impact Center is tracking state attorney general actions ([link removed]) in support of the environment, some 300 and counting so far ([link removed]) .
Quick hits
** Trump does a 180º on LWCF funding
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The Hill ([link removed]) | Roll Call ([link removed]) | Missoulian ([link removed])
** Coal leasing sputters despite Trump promises
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Scientists warn revamped EPA 'secret science' rule will limit research
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The Hill ([link removed])
** Congress cracks down on sightseeing flights over wilderness, refuges
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Utah residents offer $16,000 reward for elk poachers
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Opinion: Trump plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante breaks a great deal for ranchers and park lovers
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New York Times ([link removed])
** Opinion: New Mexico deserves a fair return on oil and gas leases
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Las Cruces Sun-News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
After years of trying to gut LWCF, I'm thrilled that President Trump reversed course and now wants to sign my bipartisan permanent full funding bill into law. I'm hopeful Mitch McConnell will drop his opposition to LWCF and let us protect our public lands and Montana's $7.1 billion outdoor recreation economy by fully funding this vital conservation tool.”
—Senator Jon Tester ([link removed])
Picture this
** @BLMWyoming ([link removed])
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It’s #WorldWildlifeDay ([link removed]) ! DYK the pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in North America and 2nd worldwide? #TriviaTuesday ([link removed]) Can you name the one land mammal that is faster? Photo by Andrew McLean
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