A new report evaluates eight Western states on benchmarks in three conservation policy categories.
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Which Western states are leading and lagging on conservation policy?
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Friday, December 13, 2024
A view of the Snake Wild and Scenic River in Idaho, Bob Wick/BLM via Flickr ([link removed])
The Center for Western Priorities has released a new report ([link removed]) assessing state-level conservation policies in the West. The 2024 Western State Conservation Scorecard ([link removed]) evaluates eight Western states—Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—on benchmarks in three categories: land protection and access; responsible energy development; and land use and planning for growth. The 2024 scorecard updates and builds upon CWP’s previous state conservation scorecard, released in 2017 ([link removed]) .
While no state achieved a perfect score, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico emerged as clear conservation leaders, with well-funded conservation programs and a demonstrated commitment to public land protections. Montana and Wyoming show that Western states can make progress on conservation in ways that work for them, though both states have room to improve in regulating oil and gas development. Arizona, Idaho, and Utah have the opportunity to significantly improve their scores in multiple categories. These states generally score well on protecting public land access for outdoor recreation, but need to back that up with support for public land conservation and better stewardship of natural resources in the face of accelerating growth.
"Public lands are central to what makes the West such an attractive place to live and visit, and states have an important role to play in conserving the West’s iconic landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the high quality of life that comes with living near protected public lands," Center for Western Priorities Policy Director Rachael Hamby said in a statement ([link removed]) . "Western states clearly demonstrate that it is possible to prioritize conservation while growing a state’s economy and developing its natural resources responsibly."
** Quick hits
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Biden admin moves to temporarily block mining in Upper Pecos River watershed in NM
Source New Mexico ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Wyoming, Montana sue feds to repeal Powder River Basin coal leasing ban
WyoFile ([link removed]) | Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])
Trump's choice to run Energy Dept says fossil fuels are virtuous
New York Times ([link removed])
NM economist: Don’t expect huge jump in oil production, even if Trump slashes regulations
Source New Mexico ([link removed])
As a major oil producer eyes carbon storage, thousands of idle wells await cleanup
Inside Climate News ([link removed])
US Magnesium admits its wall to protect Great Salt Lake is on pause. EPA says the company is violating cleanup deal
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
What's behind the high-stakes standoff over the Colorado River’s future?
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Six days national parks are free to visit in 2025
Washington Post ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” We can’t plan for hopes and dreams. We have to plan for what’s actually there, and that involves hard choices.”
—Becky Mitchell, Colorado River Commissioner, Colorado Sun ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
‘Tis the season for counting birds.
December 14th marks the first day of the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. Participating in citizen science is a great way to help the birds in your area.
For over a century, the Christmas Bird Count has brought together volunteers, scientists and conservationists to collect wildlife data. We use this census information to assess the health of bird populations and guide conservation actions.
Join in on the winter fun! Check out the link in our bio to find an event near you.
📸 Northern cardinal; Jim Hudgins/US Fish and Wildlife Service
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