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


** Burgum promises 'energy dominance' agenda at Interior
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Friday, January 17, 2025
Doug Burgum, former North Dakota governor and Trump Interior secretary nominee. Photo by Gage Skidmore ([link removed]) , Wikimedia Commons.

Yesterday the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a confirmation hearing ([link removed]) for former North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the Interior department.

Burgum pledged ([link removed]) to emphasize fossil fuel development on public lands and waters, echoing a host of anti-public lands talking points on issues including national monuments and the use of the Antiquities Act, endangered species, and renewable sources of energy.

Burgum's comments throughout the hearing demonstrated his unabashed admiration of President Teddy Roosevelt, but as Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala pointed out in a statement ([link removed]) following the hearing, “Teddy Roosevelt himself used the Antiquities Act to protect 800,000 acres in and around the Grand Canyon.”

Burgum argued ([link removed]) that the Biden administration’s focus on renewables has left American consumers vulnerable, while acknowledging that his state has embraced wind power, and demurring on whether he would support offshore wind projects that Trump has criticized. As Rokala noted in her statement ([link removed]) , “Perhaps the most striking thing from today’s hearing is how much distance Governor Burgum put between himself and President Trump. From Russia to wind energy to disaster assistance, Burgum tried to create daylight between himself and his boss.”

Utah representative, Bundy relative introduces bill to eliminate Antiquities Act

Representative Celeste Maloy of Utah introduced a bill ([link removed]) seeking to end the power of the president to use the Antiquities Act ([link removed]) to protect public lands. In Utah, presidential Antiquities Act designations are responsible for 12 national monuments and parks ([link removed]) , including four of Utah’s “Mighty 5 ([link removed]) .” Center for Western Priorities Deputy Director Aaron Weiss said in a statement ([link removed]) , “Leave it to a member of the Bundy family to lead an egregious attack on
America's public lands, this time from within the halls of Congress." Given the popularity of the Antiquities Act ([link removed]) , Weiss warned ([link removed]) , “Anyone who signs on to Rep. Maloy’s bill will unleash the ire of America’s hunters, anglers, the outdoor industry, and Tribal nations.”


** Quick hits
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Biden admin designates Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off Hawaii

Associated Press ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Burgum promises 'energy dominance' agenda at Interior

New York Times ([link removed]) | Politico ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Roll Call ([link removed])

As governor, Burgum promised to manage conflicts of interest. They still cropped up

New York Times ([link removed])

U.S. oil production is booming. Oil jobs are not

New York Times ([link removed])

Interior recommends protections for three million acres of the Arctic

E&E News ([link removed])

What do the Los Angeles fires tell us about the coming water wars?

The Guardian ([link removed])

Biden admin offers utilities $22 billion to cut energy use and emissions

Canary Media ([link removed])

BLM delivers blow to contentious limestone quarry above Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” This decision affirms the fundamental argument we have been making in federal court: that RMI has been mining and selling limestone from our public lands for end uses that aren’t allowed under its federal mining permit.”

—Jeff Peterson, head of the Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance, Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Leaving this week behind like...🐾

These adorable baby bobcats from Modoc National Wildlife Refuge are already on the prowl! Cute, fierce and fully focused on the weekend ahead.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Photo by L. Phillips

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