Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Trump orders pause wind energy development
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Wind energy project at Wyoming Foot Creek, BLM Wyoming ([link removed])
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ([link removed]) to pause wind energy development on federal lands and waters, a major attack on America’s largest renewable energy industry. The executive order temporarily stops offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and halts the approval of leases, permits, and loans for both offshore and onshore wind energy projects. The order specifically names the planned Lava Ridge wind project in Idaho ([link removed]) , which was permitted at the end of Biden’s term, issuing a moratorium on the 231-turbine project pending a review by the Secretary of the Interior.
While the order states that ([link removed]) “nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases,” it also directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive review to determine if “terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases” is warranted. Meanwhile, Doug Burgum, Trump's nominee for Interior secretary, suggested ([link removed]) during his confirmation hearing ([link removed]) that wind projects that are already underway could move forward.
Trump’s disdain for wind energy ([link removed]) dates back to when he sued to block a wind farm that was visible from his golf course in Scotland. During his inauguration speech, Trump falsely ([link removed]) claimed ([link removed]) that “big, ugly windmills” are killing whales and birds. There is no evidence ([link removed]) that wind turbines harm marine mammals, and birds face a far greater threat ([link removed]) from house cats than wind turbines. The Trump administration is likely to
face legal action from wind proponents for any action it takes against the industry.
Trump's Day One attack on public lands
On the latest episode of The Landscape ([link removed]) , Kate and Aaron talk through the effects of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders on public lands with Drew McConville ([link removed]) , a senior fellow on the Conservation Policy team at the Center for American Progress. His research is focused on energy, public lands, and Alaska.
** Quick hits
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Trump temporarily halts leasing and permitting for wind energy projects
Associated Press ([link removed]) | Heatmap ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed]) | CNBC ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed]) | Axios ([link removed]) | WBUR ([link removed])
Sáttítla Highlands National Monument is a reality
Herald and News ([link removed])
Opinion: Don’t put public lands on the chopping block
Colorado Newsline ([link removed])
Trump signs executive order reversing Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas exploration in Alaska
Anchorage Daily News ([link removed])
Conservationists discuss next steps for Chuckwalla National Monument
NBC Palm Springs ([link removed])
Trump administration accused of using AI to draft public land executive orders
Futurism ([link removed])
Utah leads Western states in targeting millions of acres of public lands
Washington Post ([link removed])
Biden didn't declare Caja del Rio a national monument. What's next?
Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” The land is sacred to us. It’s holy land, it’s the place of our creation, and it’s been used as a ceremonial gathering and teaching area for our people since time immemorial. That’s why it’s so important to get a long-term protection solution for this very valuable place.”
—Brandy McDaniels, Sáttítla National Monument campaign lead for the Pit River Nation, Herald and News ([link removed])
** Picture This
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[link removed]
@grandcanyonnps ([link removed])
Did you know that Marble Canyon, now part of Grand Canyon National Park, once stood as its own national monument?
On January 20, in 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated Marble Canyon as a national monument, recognizing its stunning geological, paleontological, and cultural treasures.
Stretching 62 miles along the Colorado River from Lee’s Ferry to the Little Colorado River confluence, Marble Canyon is a haven for unique flora, fauna, and history:
🌄 Ancestral home to indigenous peoples who used the canyon’s natural features for shelter and storage.
🌱 Home to threatened species like the Humpback Chub.
🦇 Inhabited by the Pale Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat.
🦴 Guarding 12,000-year-old remains of the extinct Harrington Mountain Goat.
Marble Canyon’s sheer cliff walls have kept much of its natural beauty undisturbed, making it a priceless sanctuary.
Then, just a few years later, on January 3, 1975, President Ford signed the Grand Canyon Enlargement Act, abolishing the national monument and incorporating Marble Canyon into Grand Canyon National Park. The law doubled the park’s size to 1.2 million acres.
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