Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Greenhouse gases at an all time high
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Monday, April 8, 2024
Oil pump jack in California. John Ciccarelli, BLM California | Flickr ([link removed])
The levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane, the two greenhouse gases most responsible for rising global temperatures, reached historic highs ([link removed]) last year, according to an announcement ([link removed]) from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Friday.
The rise in heat-trapping gasses from January to December of 2023 was not quite as high as record increases seen in recent years, but NOAA says they are in line with steep increases observed over the past decade. 2023 saw the third-largest increase in CO2 emissions in 65 years of record keeping, with all three of the largest increases occurring in the past decade.
About 15 percent ([link removed]) of energy-related emissions are directly attributable to oil and gas production. Methane, which is about 30 times more powerful than CO2 at trapping heat, is released during the process of drilling for natural gas and flaring excess methane. In addition to releasing greenhouse gases, companies are leaving behind toxic messes ([link removed]) that have negative impacts on drinking water, air quality, and wildlife.
Voters in the West want that to change ([link removed]) —90 percent of Western voters think oil and gas companies should pay for the cleanup and restoration costs after oil and gas drilling is finished.
** Quick hits
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Trump’s second-term blueprint would take a wrecking ball to public lands
HuffPost ([link removed])
Where to watch today's total solar eclipse
National Parks Traveler ([link removed]) | National Park Service ([link removed])
This epic slice of Arizona feeds their souls but lacks a basic necessity: Water
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
BLM plays up preservation in new monument plans
E&E News ([link removed])
BLM oil and gas rule to better protect public lands, taxpayers expected this spring
KUNR ([link removed])
A decade after Bunkerville standoff, Bundy cattle roam free
E&E News ([link removed])
Wenatchi-P’squosa people demonstrate against proposed solar project
High Country News ([link removed])
Hunting bighorn sheep ewes to save the herd
WyoFile ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Everywhere I’ve ever moved, it never felt like home. My heart’s always been here.”
—Gilarya Begaye, resident of the Navajo Nation, Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usfws ([link removed])
Does a solar eclipse affect wildlife? The short answer – it does.
Critters don’t have actual clocks, so they take their behavioral cues from nature. A darkening sky and lowering of temperatures brought on by a solar eclipse can cause wildlife to shift their behavior to nighttime routines.
How will the upcoming April 8th solar eclipse affect wildlife? Check out our link in bio to learn how it might impact their normal routines and how YOU can help record observations in your area.
Photo and graphic of red foxes by USFWS
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