Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Tribal leaders ask Biden to designate national monuments in California
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Friday, December 1, 2023
Near Corn Springs Campground within the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. Source: Bureau of Land Management, rawpixel ([link removed])

Tribal leaders in California are calling ([link removed]) on President Joe Biden to use his power under the Antiquities Act to expand San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by more than 100,000 acres and designate the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park.

In a press call on Thursday hosted by Indigenous Voices of Nevada ([link removed]) , a nonprofit aimed at bringing Indigenous values to the forefront, representatives from several Tribes discussed the importance of protecting these landscapes to preserve their cultural and historic value.

“To have the cultural and historical significance of the landscapes, the native plant species, the tribal histories, understanding what areas need protection, it’s instrumental that Tribes are involved,” said ([link removed]) Rudy Ortega, president of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, which represents 26 Tribal nations in the Los Angeles area.

The request comes ahead of next week's White House Tribal Nations Summit, which will be held December 6-7 in Washington D.C. At the summit, Indigenous leaders will meet with administration officials to discuss issues important to Tribal communities, including the potential for President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to permanently protect these valuable landscapes.


** Quick hits
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Tribal leaders and advocates call for more land protection

Durango Herald ([link removed]) | San Gabriel Valley Tribune ([link removed]) | Las Vegas Review-Journal ([link removed])

Analysis: Pondering public lands and the energy transition conundrum

High Country News ([link removed])

Leaked document says US is willing to build energy projects in case Snake River dams are breached

Associated Press ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Burning Man narrowly passes BLM's post-event environmental inspection

Associated Press ([link removed]) | SF Gate ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Analysis: Utah losing millions in natural gas waste and pollution

St. George News ([link removed])

Federal funds headed to Central Oregon for two habitat restoration projects

The Bulletin ([link removed])

Tribes call for continued protection of federal lands in Western Alaska

Anchorage Daily News ([link removed])

BLM aims to revise massive Western transmission corridor

E&E News ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” If the energy projects are necessary, the amount of damage they do is not. Given the vast expanse of the public lands, there are bound to be places that are appropriate for development, as well as many others that are not.”

—Jonathan Thompson, contributing editor, High Country News ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@utahpubliclands ([link removed])
In a perfect snapshot of savoring the moment, this kit fox on BLM Utah #publiclands ([link removed]) captures the essence of autumn's fleeting charm. Its quiet presence amidst the crisp air reminds us to pause and appreciate the peaceful beauty of the season. 🦊🍂
#ThankfulforPublicLands ([link removed])

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