Plus, environmentalists sue to stop Utah's land grab lawsuit
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Montana Supreme Court upholds landmark ruling in youth climate case
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Thursday, December 19, 2024
Montana's Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Bob Wick, BLM. Flickr ([link removed])
On Wednesday, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a ruling ([link removed]) that said the state was violating citizens' constitutional right to a clean environment by permitting oil, gas, and coal projects on public lands.
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by 16 Montanans now ranging in ages from 7 to 23. In 2023, a state district court ruled in favor ([link removed]) of the plaintiffs, who said climate change is causing worsening wildfires and fouling the air they breathe. They also said ([link removed]) that drought and decreased snowpack are depleting rivers that sustain farming, fish, wildlife, recreation, and Native American traditions.
The state argued ([link removed]) that greenhouse gases released from Montana fossil fuel projects are minuscule on a global scale and reducing them would have no effect on climate change. But the judges, in a 6-1 ruling, rejected the state's argument. Going forward, Montana must carefully assess the greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts of all future fossil fuel permits.
“This ruling is a victory not just for us, but for every young person whose future is threatened by climate change,” lead plaintiff Rikki Held said ([link removed]) in a statement Wednesday.
Environmentalists sue to stop Utah's land grab lawsuit
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) sued ([link removed]) Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes over their attempt to seize control of over 18 million acres of national public land. SUWA argues that taking the land grab lawsuit to the U.S. Supreme Court violated Utah's constitution, which says ([link removed]) that in exchange for becoming part of the United States, Utah “forever disclaim[ed] all right and title to the unappropriated public lands" within it.
“Utahns love their public lands,” said ([link removed]) Steve Bloch, SUWA's legal director. “They’re not about to simply see them sold off or given up without a fight.”
** Quick hits
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Montana Supreme Court sides with youth plaintiffs in landmark climate lawsuit
New York Times ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | Montana Free Press ([link removed]) | Alaska Beacon ([link removed])
Environmentalists sue to stop Utah's attempt at seizing national public land
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Utah News Dispatch ([link removed]) | KSL ([link removed]) | KUER ([link removed])
More than a century after their land was ravaged by the California gold rush, Yurok Tribe to reclaim territory
CBS News ([link removed])
Opinion: Give Chuckwalla National Monument a fighting chance
Desert Sun ([link removed])
Can partnering with beavers help restore a long-degraded valley in Rocky Mountain National Park?
NP ([link removed]) CA ([link removed])
Fish and Wildlife Service pulls plug on climate change-inspired wildlife refuge proposal
E&E News ([link removed])
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland reflects on historic appointment, legacy as her term comes to a close
KJZZ ([link removed])
Study: Wildland firefighters are exposed to 31 carcinogens on the job
Boise State Public Radio News ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” We've always had this really intricate relationship with the landscape. We've hunted, we've fished, we've gathered. And those are all management tools. Everything that we do has been in balance with the natural world.”
—Rosie Clayburn, descendant of the Yurok Tribe, CBS News ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
Winter is an excellent time to look for America’s national symbol, soaring overhead or perching majestically in the trees. From November through February, migrating bald eagles visit Idaho's Lake Coeur d' Alene area to feed on the spawning salmon.
The Bureau of Land Management hosts a yearly count to document their impressive numbers! Our latest count was 261 bald eagles!
Take a moment this holiday season to appreciate the beauty of our public lands and the fascinating wildlife that calls them home. Spend some time outdoors with friends and family and don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sky!
📸 Jake Ryan
#12DaysofPublicLand ([link removed]) #Eagles ([link removed]) #Winter ([link removed]) #Nature ([link removed]) #Wildlife ([link removed]) #WildlifePhotography ([link removed]) #Idaho ([link removed]) #VisitIdaho ([link removed]) #IdahoPublicLands ([link removed])
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