Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities

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


** Interior considers new drilling restrictions in Alaska
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Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Northeast National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM Flickr ([link removed])

The Interior department is considering broadening oil and gas drilling restrictions ([link removed]) in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) ([link removed]) . The Bureau of Land Management will solicit public comments on whether to expand or designate new “special areas” in the 23-million acre reserve, a move that would extend the areas of the NPR-A that are mostly off limits to drillers.

“We have a responsibility to manage the western Arctic in a way that honors the more than 40 Indigenous communities that continue to rely on the resources from the Reserve for subsistence,” BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in a statement ([link removed]) . “With the rapidly changing climate, the Special Areas are increasingly critical to caribou movement and herd health, as well as other wildlife, migratory birds, and native plants.”

Environmental groups have pointed to the Arctic's unique vulnerability to climate change (some research indicates that the Arctic is warming as much as four times ([link removed]) the rate of the rest of the globe) and are calling for greater limits on drilling, particularly following the Biden administration's contentious 2023 approval ([link removed]) of the $8 billion Willow oil project in the reserve.


** Quick hits
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Interior considers new drilling restrictions in Alaska

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

Can voluntary water leasing help save the Great Salt Lake?

Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])

Two hikers die in Canyonlands National Park in 100-degree temperatures

New York Times ([link removed]) | The Guardian ([link removed])

Oil, gas, mining groups sue to block BLM's Public Lands Rule

E&E News ([link removed])

California wildfires burning more land at a faster pace compared to 2023

NPR ([link removed])

Wyoming bans conservation bidders from oil and gas lease sales

WyoFile ([link removed])

Alaska's Nogahabara Dunes are a unique and little-known oasis

Anchorage Daily News ([link removed])

In a first, sea level rise drives Florida cactus to extinction

Washington Post ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” Wildlife managers sometimes have to be creative in finding ways to mitigate the different types of habitat fragmentation, but there’s support for these kinds of policies. People who love nature want to know that their kids and grandkids will grow up enjoying the same wildlife that they see passing through their land today.”

—Jeremy Romero ([link removed]) , Regional Connectivity Coordinator, National Wildlife Federation


** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
It’s been a scorching summer! 🌞

While exploring the outdoors this summer, be prepared for high temperatures and the increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

Beat the heat and stay safe with these tips:

🌲 Sploot. Take breaks when you need them and rest in the shade when possible.

🌤️ Protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Wear sunglasses, a sun-protective hat, sun-protective clothing and use sunscreen on any exposed skin.

💧 Hydrate. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water while hitting the trails.

🥜 Snack. When recreating, it’s important to snack and keep your energy replenished. Salty snacks, like nuts, pretzels and crackers, help replenish lost electrolytes.

Photo by Hannah Rugger

#recreateresponsibly ([link removed]) #usinterior ([link removed]) #marmot ([link removed]) #heatwave ([link removed])

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