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


** Biden admin backs road through Alaska wildlife refuge—with one big change
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Thursday, November 14, 2024
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Lisa Hupp/US Fish & Wildlife Service ([link removed])

The Biden administration announced its support for a controversial land exchange ([link removed]) that would pave the way for a gravel road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The road proposal has been a political football for more than a decade, driven by a request from the residents of King Cove, a 900-person community that wants access to medical care via an all-weather runway in the town of Cold Bay, 16 miles away.

In 2019, the Trump administration proposed a different land exchange for the road through Izembek in a deal that left open the possibility that the road could be used for commercial purposes, serving a large salmon cannery ([link removed]) in King Cove. That exchange was withdrawn by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland ([link removed]) last year, who said at the time that "Respecting Tribal sovereignty means ensuring that we are listening – really listening – to Tribal communities."

Alaska Native leaders in King Cove and the state's congressional delegation continued to press Haaland ([link removed]) to approve a land exchange, while other Tribes and conservation groups strongly opposed it ([link removed]) . The exchange announced on Wednesday would transfer 484 acres of federal land to King Cove for the road, and the federal government would gain 31,000 acres of land, including 1,700 acres with wilderness status. In a major shift from the Trump plan, the one-lane gravel road through the Izembek refuge would only be open to non-commercial traffic.

The announcement kicks off a 45-day public comment period ([link removed]) on the proposed land exchange, which will open Friday morning. The Interior department will also hold public meetings on the proposal. But the timing of the announcement means the final decision on the Izembek road and land swap will be made by the Trump administration next year.


** Quick hits
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Haaland and Stone-Manning: Conservation is equal to the many other uses of public lands

Denver Post ([link removed])

Interior backs land swap for Izembek road, public comment period opens Friday

Washington Post ([link removed]) | Anchorage Daily News ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Fossil fuel group courts Navajo Nation in search of methane exports

Floodlight ([link removed])

EPA implements climate law's methane fee as GOP aims for repeal

The Hill ([link removed])

Oil industry urges Trump to slash regulations, speed permitting for new drilling—but somehow uphold Paris climate agreement

Inside Climate News ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Wyoming officials hope Trump will weaken sage-grouse protections

Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])

BLM revives wilderness study areas after 20 years

E&E News ([link removed])

Rail company no longer involved with Utah oil train proposal

RealVail ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” Driven by science and collaboration, our team has made important strides in managing our public lands for future generations. The success of this work is rooted in three things: the remarkable public servants who work at the BLM; our partnerships with local communities, states, industry, non-profit groups and with Tribes that count on the health of our public lands and waters and the resources they provide; and finally, the support and engagement of our fellow Americans, who love and depend on our public lands.”

—Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Denver Post ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
Happy anniversary to Arizona's Vermilion Cliffs National Monument! 🎊

This special area, home to diverse wildlife like California condors and desert bighorn sheep, features spectacular sandstone cliffs and slot canyons that reveal millions of years of Earth’s history and a backdrop for breathtaking hiking views.

📷 Bob Wick

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