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 admin aims to boost Tribal renewable energy projects
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Thursday, October 10, 2024
Renewable Energy Development in the California Desert. Photo courtesy of Tom Brewster Photography, Flickr ([link removed]) .
The United States Treasury Department is proposing tax guidance ([link removed]) aimed at expanding access to $30 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as clarifying decades-long uncertainty over the tax status of corporations fully owned by one or more Tribal nations. The draft rule confirms that these businesses hold the same tax status as the Tribes that own them, making them eligible to take advantage of IRA benefits to build energy projects.
According to a new study ([link removed]) in Nature Energy, reservation lands are significantly less likely to host wind and solar farms than adjacent lands despite having abundant clean energy resources. Dominic Parker, a professor of applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who co-authored the study said ([link removed]) , “Regulatory complexity and uncertainty are barriers that help explain the disparity in energy development on versus off reservations. Native Americans are land rich and they have windy and sunny land, but these IRA subsidies and tax credits have not benefited them thus far.”
“For far too long, tax uncertainty has held back Tribes’ economic opportunity,” said ([link removed]) Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo on a call with reporters Monday. Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians applauded the guidance ([link removed]) , saying, “These proposed new rules use Tribal sovereignty as a foundation and put a premium on Tribal self-determination.” He went further to say, “For us in Tribal leadership across the country, it sometimes feels like nobody is listening, but this is a product of consultation. The treasurer and the secretary listened.”
** Quick hits
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Alaska's Ruth Glacier hides America's deepest gorge
New York Times ([link removed])
Sage grouse numbers have grown but experts still worry about downward trend
WyoFile ([link removed])
Biden admin aims to boost Tribal renewable energy projects
E&E News ([link removed])
Mother bear defeats rival to be crowned Fat Bear Week champion
NPR ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | USA Today ([link removed])
Conservation group pushes forward with effort to protect pinyon jay
New Mexico Political Report ([link removed])
Radioactive waste from Colorado uranium mines was once used in houses, gardens
Denver Gazette ([link removed])
How artists, writers, and scientists have historically documented climate change
Smithsonian Magazine ([link removed])
Lawmakers support $99 million purchase of historic Colorado River water rights
Colorado Sun ([link removed]) | Summit Daily ([link removed]) | Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” The word that comes to mind when I speak about her [Grazer, 2024 Fat Bear Week champion] is ferocity. She's a mother bear that will defend her cubs no matter what, and she's got this fire in her.”
—Katmai National Park ranger Sarah Bruce ([link removed])
“She's a bear in which we can find many characteristics to admire. She's incredibly skilled. Grazer can fish nearly anywhere. She has the strength and agility to capture salmon while running through the water. She's good at scavenging salmon all throughout the river as well. Even when she's faced with a competitor that is much bigger than her, she meets the challenge.”
—Mike Fitz, naturalist with Explore.org ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@nationalparkservice ([link removed])
Down, down, down the road, down the switchback road...
Actually, it’s been more of a path all along. Well, the gang’s all here, let’s hit the trail. A switchback is a type of path that follows a zig-zag pattern up or down a steep stretch of terrain such as a hill, canyon, or mountainside. In terms of climbing, it will give you what you want most, a slightly easier trip. Switchbacks are easier than climbing straight up a hill, but you’re still hiking a steep piece of slope. With any switchback, it’s best to take your time and avoid rushing through a zig-zagging section. Watch for trail markers, pace yourself, no shortcuts, and always be on the lookout for uneven terrain.
The South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon National Park can be a great trail for short trips into the canyon of half a day or less, but the openness of this trail lends itself to extreme heat (was that two hobbits throwing a ring over there?) during the summer months and little to no protection from passing storms. Remember, all trails into the canyon are steep and difficult; consider contacting a park ranger before starting your hike.
Image: Not a picture of brisket. A sheer limestone cliff in which six switchbacks have been cut. Several hikers are visible along the trail.
#switchback ([link removed]) #trail ([link removed]) #grandcanyon ([link removed]) #greatoutdoors ([link removed]) #road ([link removed]) #travel ([link removed])
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