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


** Coal's swan song
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024
A coal mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, BLM Wyoming ([link removed])

America's greenhouse gas emissions fell nearly 2 percent ([link removed]) in 2023, thanks in large part to the decline of coal for power generation. The Rhodium Group estimates that U.S. emissions have fallen more than 17 percent since 2005—significant, but not nearly fast enough to meet President Biden's goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.

Last year, electric utilities closed more than a dozen large coal-burning power plants, according to the New York Times ([link removed]) . The power sector was responsible for almost all of America's decline in carbon dioxide emissions. But the decline of coal has led to a rise in natural gas power plants, and an increase in methane emissions ([link removed]) from the oil and gas industry that supplies them.

Signs of big coal's swan song can be seen in headlines across the country today:
* Hawaii's last coal plant ([link removed]) has been replaced by a giant battery;
* two-thirds of Tennessee coal mine permits ([link removed]) are in bond forfeiture;
* the Energy Information Administration expects solar to lead ([link removed]) U.S. power growth as coal demand drops;
* the EIA also projects coal exports will drop 9 percent ([link removed]) this year;
* and in Europe, wind power has now overtaken coal ([link removed]) .

American Climate Corps ramps up

The White House announced a series of virtual listening sessions ([link removed]) to bring in ideas on how to shape the American Climate Corps, starting on Thursday, January 11th. Each session will feature a climate champion, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Ed Markey. The White House requests that participants limit their comments to three minutes, and invites Americans to send in-depth thoughts to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


** Quick hits
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Scientists say Colorado's most destructive wildfire was also a hurricane, recommend new red flag warning standards

Colorado Sun ([link removed]) | Denver Post ([link removed])

Climate report warns Colorado to expect a drier future with more fires and pollution

CPR News ([link removed])

Biden administration announces $138 million to support wildland firefighting

KTVB ([link removed]) | UPI ([link removed])

Texas limits fracking wastewater injection in bid to reduce earthquakes

Texas Tribune ([link removed])

How 3 Indigenous women are leading the way on climate change

The 19th ([link removed]) /High Country News ([link removed])

Opinion: Veterans ask Biden to designate Chuckwalla National Monument

Desert Sun ([link removed])

Man cycling 18,000 miles to all U.S. national parks hopes to inspire change

St. George News ([link removed])

BLM, Forest Service to waive recreation fees on Monday in honor of MLK

KTVZ ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” We’re in a place where you have to make a lot of tough decisions, but it’s not the first time Native nations have had to make those decisions, and it won’t be the last. For better or for worse, it’s a continuation of those responsibilities.”

—Postdoctoral researcher Lydia Jennings (Pascua Yaqui and Huichol), The 19th ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@usfws ([link removed])
Is this mother bobcat's eye twitching? Play is an important part of how young bobcats learn the skills that help them become effective predators when they grow up. This one was jumping on mom after an experiment chasing an Inca dove at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Texas.

Photo: Frank J Farese

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