** Trump signs order waiving environmental reviews for projects
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Friday, June 5, 2020
The Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project ([link removed]) is an example ([link removed]) of using NEPA to select a project alternative that avoids potential risks to drinking water in the Colorado River near Moab, Utah.

Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order waiving environmental reviews for construction and energy projects ([link removed]) , citing an 'economic emergency.' The order would undermine numerous laws ([link removed]) , including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Nada Culver, senior policy counsel with the National Audubon Society, explained the new order ([link removed]) : "You’re not conducting adequate environmental review; you're not receiving public comments or responding to public comments. You’re not taking into account the value of birds, wildlife, tribal interests, community impacts. All of those things are considered a burden with this language."

However, the legality of the president's latest executive order is questionable ([link removed]) . "The president’s assertion of authority to waive the application of environmental laws in the way described seems wholly untethered from law," said Richard Lazarus ([link removed]) , professor of environmental law at Harvard University.

The administration’s actions would likely disproportionately harm communities of color ([link removed]) , which are far more likely to be impacted ([link removed]) by pollution, ecological hazards, and climate disasters as a result of decades of systemic environmental racism and injustice.

The president's efforts to undermine NEPA pre-date ([link removed]) the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; analysis found that 94 percent of public comments opposed those attempts ([link removed]) to roll back NEPA enforcement.
Quick hits


** House lawmakers introduced the Great American Outdoors Act, support continues
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E&E News ([link removed]) | National Post ([link removed]) | Public News Service ([link removed])


** Why communities fighting for fair policing also demand environmental justice
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Park Police asked to defend rationale behind clearing protesters
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Objections to closing of national park sites near White House
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Trump signs order waiving environmental reviews for projects
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New York Times ([link removed]) | The Guardian ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Feds proceeded with Chaco drilling plan while tribes distracted by pandemic
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Navajo Times ([link removed])


** Colorado researchers make progress after decades trying to save disappearing rainbow trout
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** 11 great alternatives to top national parks
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New York Times ([link removed])
Quote of the day
This order will almost certainly increase environmental injustice across America.”
—Jesse Prentice-Dunn,
policy director of the Center for Western Priorities
The Guardian ([link removed])
Picture this


** @U ([link removed]) SFWSRefuges ([link removed])
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What we're viewing with enthusiasm: [link removed] ([link removed]) #Birding ([link removed]) #naturelover ([link removed]) #BlackInNature ([link removed]) #BlackBirdersWeek ([link removed])

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