Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Biden administration protects 28 million acres of Alaska public lands
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Caribou in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM ([link removed])
The Biden administration announced it will protect 28 million acres in Alaska ([link removed]) from mining and oil and gas development. The move reverses a decision made in the waning days of the Trump administration to open millions of acres to extractive activities with the potential to harm the environment as well as cultural and subsistence resources for Alaska Native communities ([link removed]) .
“Tribal consultation must be treated as a requirement—not an option—when the federal government is making decisions that could irrevocably affect Tribal communities,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland ([link removed]) said in a statement ([link removed]) . “Continuing these essential protections, which have been in place for decades, will ensure continued access and use of these public lands now and in the future.”
The decision cited the potential negative impacts ([link removed]) on fishing and hunting activities for the estimated 31,000 to 52,000 people who rely on the land in question for drinking water, food security, and cultural identity. The move will protect caribou habitat, as well as Bristol Bay, an area with significant salmon populations. Closing the area to future development will also prevent spills from contaminating rivers and harming birds and other wildlife.
** Quick hits
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Biden administration protects 28 million acres of Alaska public lands
The Hill ([link removed]) | Native News Online ([link removed]) | Anchorage Daily News ([link removed]) | Alaska Beacon ([link removed]) | Bloomberg Law ([link removed]) | KTUU-TV ([link removed]) | KTVF-TV ([link removed]) | KYUK-Radio
([link removed])
Colorado's new wolf pack—including pups—to be relocated following livestock predations
Denver Post ([link removed])
Nevada lawmakers seek to end "use it or lose it" water law, expand water rights retirement program
Nevada Current ([link removed])
A third of Colorado's electricity is generated by coal—when are the last power plants closing?
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Facebook looks to geothermal energy to power data centers
New York Times ([link removed])
Unauthorized drones are making wildfires more destructive
Sierra Magazine ([link removed])
Earthquake risks and rising costs: the price of operating California's last nuclear plant
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
Can surviving a wildfire make a community stronger? This researcher says yes
KUNC ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Regardless of who’s flying the drone—a hobbyist or a photographer—you’re putting people’s lives and property in danger when you fly over an incident. It's just not worth it.”
—Cory Calnan, deputy fire protection bureau chief for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. Sierra Magazine ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@denalinps ([link removed])
“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” ~ Mark Twain
NPS Photo: C. Cahill
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