Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Trump chaos targets park service, environmental offices
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Friday, February 7, 2025
Grand Teton National Park ([link removed])
Many federal government agencies and programs have been the victims of drastic cuts and attempted layoffs since President Donald Trump took office a few weeks ago. This week, Trump administration officials announced ([link removed]) plans to close the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, and to downsize the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. And a broad freeze on federal spending has impacted offices across government, including at the EPA ([link removed]) and at offices that oversee funding for clean energy projects ([link removed]) .
The Trump administration also announced a hiring freeze ([link removed]) on seasonal positions at the National Park Service, just when the agency should be lining up extra workers for the upcoming summer tourist season. "It will be chaos. There will be a lot of dirty toilets and a lot of visitors unsatisfied with their experience," said ([link removed]) former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. "At some point the public has to say this is unacceptable, because Congress is incapable of doing that at the moment."
Voters reward incumbents' support for conservation
The Center for Western Priorities Winning the West report ([link removed]) , released earlier this week, analyzed several key U.S. senate and congressional races in Western states and found that support for conservation gave candidates an edge in 2024. In Nevada's U.S. Senate race, Jacky Rosen emphasized her record of support for public land protections, and successfully linked conservation to economic growth. For more analysis of this and other races, visit the Winning the West website ([link removed]) to see polling results and read the report ([link removed]) .
** Quick hits
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How Trump funding chaos is impacting offices across government
Washington Post ([link removed]) | High Country News ([link removed]) | National Parks Traveler ([link removed]) | Politico ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Indigenous communities push back on bill to strip presidents of power to designate national monuments
Nevada Public Radio ([link removed])
WY state senate kills, then resurrects, resolution calling on Congress to give Wyoming all public lands except Yellowstone
WyoFile ([link removed]) | Cowboy State Daily ([link removed]) | Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])
Thompson Divide, CO mineral withdrawal among federal actions up for review
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
The latest plot to privatize public lands
In These Times ([link removed])
23,000 gallons of gasoline spilled into their yard; now, this Durango couple can’t go home
Durango Herald ([link removed])
Trump's quest for 'energy dominance' is all about the vibes
Grist ([link removed])
Column: Forget Trump’s wrecking ball. Here’s how to treat America’s public lands
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” [Grand Teton National Park] is the bedrock economic driver for this entire state.”
—Wyoming state senator Mike Gierau, Cowboy State Daily ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@deathvalleynps ([link removed])
Watch where you step! Cryptobiotic soil, also known as desert glue, is a community of organisms that can include cyanobacteria, mosses, green algae, fungi, and lichen. These communities provide structure to the soil, preventing erosion and improving the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. Cryptobiotic soil is fragile, slow growing and takes many years to form. In Death Valley, you can help protect it by being mindful of where you step while hiking off trail!
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