Plus, Secretary Haaland defends Interior department budget and rule makings

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


** Ahead of Earth Day, President Biden points to conservation legacy
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Thursday, April 18, 2024
President Joe Biden at the Grand Canyon. Photo: @WhiteHouse ([link removed])

With Earth Day less than a week away, President Joe Biden and his administration are highlighting his record on conservation and climate issues. The White House tweeted ([link removed]) yesterday that the Biden administration has protected 26 million acres so far, putting him within reach of conserving more lands and waters than any other president in U.S. history.

So far, Biden has designated five new national monuments using his authority granted by the Antiquities Act, adding protection to nearly 1.5 million acres ([link removed]) . While he has made great strides toward reaching the national goal of protecting 30 percent of America's lands and waters by 2030, he needs to do more ([link removed]) to solidify his position as achieving the greatest conservation impact of any president during their first term. 254 days ([link removed]) have passed since the president last designated a new national monument, and the clock is ticking between now and the end of his first term.

In the coming weeks ([link removed]) , the president is expected to expand two existing national monuments in California ([link removed]) and possibly designate others, and finalize a bevy of administrative rules in order to lock in his reforms to create a more balanced approach to managing federal public lands and resources.


** Quick hits
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Native American voices finally factoring into energy projects

The Conversation ([link removed])

Secretary Haaland defends Interior department rule makings, spending plan

E&E News ([link removed])

Ahead of Earth Day, President Biden points to conservation legacy

E&E News ([link removed])

Army Corps of Engineers affirms denial of permit for Pebble Mine

Alaska Public Media ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Report: U.S.'s most endangered rivers are in New Mexico

The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Opinion: A vision for smart-from-the-start solar on Nevada public lands

Nevada Independent ([link removed])

Colorado scientist wants to slow climate change, one brick and tile at a time

Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])

Meet Noreen and Antonia, cloned black-footed ferrets

E&E News ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” Responsible, smart renewable energy siting is a result of two things: thoughtful collaboration between all impacted communities and stakeholders, including Tribes, and holistic consideration of all the environmental, cultural, community and climate resilience values of public lands.”

—Russell Kuhlman, Nevada Wildlife Federation; Jaina Moan, The Nature Conservancy; & Jose Witt, The Wilderness Society, Nevada Independent ([link removed])



** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Save the date! This coming Saturday, in celebration of National Park Week, the @nationalparkservice ([link removed]) will waive entrance fees so everyone can explore our country’s vast history and beauty.

There is a national park closer than you think — find yours today: nps.gov/findapark

Photo @badlandsnps ([link removed]) by Donna Schneider

#nationalparkweek ([link removed]) #badlandsnationalpark ([link removed])

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