Utah lawmakers continue to fall prey to businessmen selling unscientific environmental projects, costing the state millions
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Utah lawmakers prefer snake oil to science when it comes to the environment
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Welcome to Utah sign. Joshua T, Pexels ([link removed])
Utah lawmakers continue to fall prey to businessmen selling unscientific environmental projects, costing the state millions, writes the Salt Lake Tribune Editorial Board ([link removed]) .
Just last year, the Utah legislature allocated $5 million of taxpayers' money to a software millionaire who claimed that bulldozing trees on his 1200-acre property would allow water to flow to places where its in short supply, specifically the shrinking Great Salt Lake.
The legislature funded the millionaire's idea despite research clearly stating ([link removed]) that forest thinning would not help restore the Great Salt Lake. In fact, in dry environments like Utah, thinning can make the problem worse. Fewer trees can mean more rapid snow melts and more debris and mud flowing downstream, fouling natural waterways and municipal water systems.
"After-the-fact analysis is always good. But a lot more skepticism in viewing plans from people who evidence little knowledge about the natural world, and a lot more listening to the experts already on the payroll in state agencies and our universities, is what Utah needs," the editorial board writes ([link removed]) .
Last month, Utah announced a lawsuit demanding ownership of 18 million acres of national public land. The state legislature did this despite agreeing to give up ([link removed]) any claim to these lands when it became a state 130 years ago, and despite the U.S. constitution stating that only Congress has authority ([link removed].) over the use and transfer of national public lands. If the lawsuit moves forward, it could cost ([link removed]) Utah taxpayers millions of dollars.
** Quick hits
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Editorial: Utah lawmakers are an easy mark for people with dubious ideas for ‘managing’ nature
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Department of Homeland Security adds sniffing device to AI tools helping fight wildfires in Colorado
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Opinion: Utah revives public land grab scheme. What it could mean for Idaho
Idaho Statesman ([link removed])
Utah national monument tops list of ‘most beautiful places you’ve never heard of.’
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
‘Respect Tribal sovereignty’: New Navajo law regulating radioactive material transportation
Tucson Sentinel ([link removed])
BLM failing to consult San Carlos Apache Tribe on Arizona copper project
E&E News ([link removed])
Colorado violated EPA ozone limits 40 times in summer of 2024
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
New Utah solar energy park, one of the largest in the U.S., could power 88,000 homes
Utah News Dispatch ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” We are proud to immerse our visitors in some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, and we hope our future guests take the time to learn about this national treasure not only for its beauty but also as a natural and cultural resource to be cherished.”
—Kathleen Gonder, Cedar Breaks National Monument superintendent, Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@nationalparkservice ([link removed])
Fat Bear Week is coming! 🐻
Yes, you heard correctly—Fat Bear Week, a time when we collectively celebrate the corpulent charms of our Ursidae friends, kicks off October 2-8. These chunky champs have been chowing down, packing on the pounds, and eyeing the title all summer long. (We assume they know they are competing.) Also, we’re currently seeking volunteers to weigh and crown the winning bear. Anyone? Bueller? Just kidding. Not making that mistake again.
Time flies! Celebrating 10 years, #FatBearWeek ([link removed]) is an annual competition that highlights the healthy appetites of brown bears as well as the nourishing ecosystem in which they thrive. By engaging in some hefty eating of the all-important salmon, the bear’s ample proportions serve as a testament to their survival instincts, preparing them for the long winter.
It’s kinda a BIG deal. Last year, nearly 1.4 million votes were cast for the bears. This fall, you can weigh in and choose the bear that you think has what it takes to be champ at: fatbearweek.org.
Image: 128 Grazer, the 2023 champion ran away with, well, ate the title.
#bears ([link removed]) #alaska ([link removed]) #katmai ([link removed]) #NationalParkservice ([link removed])
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