** BLM slammed for pushing Chaco drilling plan in pandemic
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Friday, May 15, 2020
Pueblo del Arroyo in Chaco Canyon | National Park Service ([link removed])

In the first of five virtual meetings on a plan to increase drilling around Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, tribal members and conservationists slammed ([link removed]) the Bureau of Land Management for plowing ahead during the coronavirus pandemic. Participants noted that many people impacted by the plan live in areas without broadband internet and with poor cellphone service, and pressed the agency to extend the public comment period ([link removed]) .

BLM's proposal could lead to 1,800 new wells over the next 20 years, impacting the greater Chaco landscape, which was a hub of civilization nearly one thousand years ago and is viewed as sacred by nearby tribes.

Marissa Naranjo, policy director for the All Pueblo Council of Governors, stressed that tribal nations are focused on combatting the pandemic, and that the group's leadership would not be able to attend any of the virtual meetings. “The situation on the ground has only grown more dire since our first request,” said Naranjo ([link removed]) , noting a surge of cases on the Navajo Nation and in nearby counties. BLM is currently set to stop taking public comments on May 28, then press forward with the plan.


** Join the Road to 30 Virtual Tour
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Next Tuesday, May 19 at 3:00pm ET, join the Center for Western Priorities and the Sierra Club to kick off a virtual road tour ([link removed]) discussing the bold vision to protect 30 percent of America by 2030—a goal that can conserve nature, strengthen communities, and improve public health.
We'll be joined by U.S. Senator Tom Udall and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Enric Sala, both leaders in the effort to protect our natural heritage.

RSVP for details on how to join ([link removed]) !
Quick hits


** National park reopenings raise fears of coronavirus outbreaks in gateway communities
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The Guardian ([link removed])


** Ranchers pardoned by Trump hope Interior Department will award them grazing permits
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** States propose hiring oil and gas workers to plug abandoned wells
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Mountain West News Bureau ([link removed])


** Renewables sector pushes ahead in New Mexico despite pandemic
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Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])


** 30 bucket list trips—the ultimate national park road trip
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Forbes ([link removed])


** As study finds offshore drilling emits more methane than estimated, Interior weakens offshore air quality standards
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Science Daily ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Tribes, conservationists slam BLM in first virtual meeting over Chaco drilling plan
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** Opinion: Halt oil and gas lease sales to protect Carlsbad Caverns
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Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
Quote of the day

If the Department of the Interior and oil lobbyist-cum-Secretary David Bernhardt truly respects the public’s right to have a say in how public land is used, then BLM should be instructed to halt oil and gas lease sales until a time when the American public is able to truly assess the impacts and fully participate in the process. Let’s give Carlsbad Caverns the birthday gift it deserves and ensure its continued protection for future generations.”
—Rick Smith and Cherry Payne ([link removed]) , Coalition to Protect America's Parks
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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Basin and Range National Monument is famous for its empty spaces—but behind the austere of deserted ranges lies monument valleys, winding canyons & brilliant rock art perfect for exploring #Nevada ([link removed])

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