** BLM slaps solar and wind operators with retroactive rent bills
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Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Wind turbines, U.S. Department of Energy ([link removed])
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to suppress energy demand and hold prices at unprecedented lows, the Trump administration is issuing millions of dollars of retroactive bills ([link removed]) to wind and solar companies. The administration stopped collecting payments in 2018 to review rental rates for renewable energy on public land. Between the energy glut and stalled development of new projects, the renewable energy industry has been hit hard. However, companies are now expected to pay $50 million ([link removed]) collectively.
The Interior Department's actions are in sharp contrast to its treatment of the oil, gas, and coal industries during this time. Secretary David Bernhardt promised to reduce royalty payments ([link removed]) for oil and gas companies that ask for it, and the retroactive bills were issued at the same time ([link removed]) as the BLM notified oil and gas companies on the procedures to recieve royalty relief. President Trump personally met ([link removed]) with oil company executives at the White House, and the Treasury is considering lending programs
specifically for oil and gas companies.
** Join the Road to 30 Virtual Tour
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Today, 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 ([link removed]) or tune into YouTube Live ([link removed]) at 3:00 pm ET/1:00 pm MT!
Quick hits
** How state parks play a role in protecting 30 percent of America
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Westwise ([link removed])
** As coronavirus consumes New Mexico, drilling threatens sacred land
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Grist ([link removed])
** Trump administration slaps solar, wind operators with retroactive rent bills
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Reuters ([link removed])
** How COVID-19 is disrupting crucial conservation efforts
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Smithsonian Magazine ([link removed])
** Some energy firms that were already struggling got a lifeline in paycheck loans, but it’s temporary
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Washington Post ([link removed])
** Lawmakers see policy window for LWCF funding
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Wyoming's newest proposed coal mine faces more public scrutiny during virtual conference
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** As national parks reopen, what to consider before you go
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Conde Nast Traveler ([link removed])
Quote of the day
With the price of oil way down currently because of the crisis, there’s absolutely no reason to rush this planning process and thrust a hasty decision on New Mexicans that puts thousands and thousands of historic, sacred sites at risk as well as the folks living now at ground zero.”
—Paul Reed, preservation archaeologist with Archaeology Southwest, Grist ([link removed])
Picture this
** @Interior ([link removed])
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City of Rocks National Reserve is an extraordinary collection of granite formations rising above the gently rolling sagebrush plains. The cotton candy clouds are just a bonus #Idaho ([link removed])
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