** Microplastics raining down on national parks, wilderness
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 15, 2020
Microplastics | 5Gyres ([link removed]) , courtesy of Oregon State University

A new study published in the journal Science finds that more than 1,000 metric tons ([link removed]) of microplastic particles—equivalent to 300 million plastic bottles—have rained down on national parks, wilderness areas, and other protected areas in the West. Researchers from Utah State University surveyed nearly a dozen ([link removed]) protected areas across the region, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon, finding significant quantities of tiny shredded plastic particles throughout. Remarkably, 4% of dust particles ([link removed]) collected from the sites were actually plastic.

Microplastics can be transported by wind and rain, allowing them to reach the most remote places on the globe. "Plastics could be deposited, readmitted to the atmosphere, transported for some time, deposited and maybe picked up again," said lead researcher ([link removed]) Janice Brahney. And who knows how many times and who knows how far they’ve travelled?

Westerners are growing increasingly concerned about the threat microplastics pose to the environment and public health. Colorado College's Conservation in the West Poll ([link removed]) recently found that 79% of Westerners view the presence of microplastics in rivers, lakes, and streams as a serious problem.
Quick hits


** Agriculture secretary to increase logging, mining in national forests by weakening environmental reviews
------------------------------------------------------------

Washington Post ([link removed]) | Missoulian ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | KNAU ([link removed])


** Inspector General finds yet another senior Interior official violated ethics rules by contacting former employer
------------------------------------------------------------

The Hill ([link removed])


** The 8 national parks most threatened by underfunding and climate change
------------------------------------------------------------

Outside Magazine ([link removed])


** Senate on the verge of passing historic public lands legislation, House could vote by July 4
------------------------------------------------------------

Roll Call ([link removed]) | Missoulian ([link removed]) (Editorial)


** Poll finds strong support for reducing emissions, combatting climate change in Colorado
------------------------------------------------------------

Colorado Politics ([link removed])


** Carried by wind and rain, microplastic pollution is rampant in Western national parks and wilderness
------------------------------------------------------------

The Guardian ([link removed]) | Denver Post ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed])


** Opinion: A guy named Craig may soon have control over a large swath of Utah
------------------------------------------------------------

New Yorker ([link removed])


** Editorial: Oil, gas, and coal downturns have wrecked Wyoming's budget—it's time to change
------------------------------------------------------------

Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
Quote of the day

This is part of a pattern across the Interior Department under both Zinke and Bernhardt. You have all of these political appointees ... who feel free to contact their former employers and do favors for them.”
—Aaron Weiss, Center for Western Priorities Deputy Director | The Hill ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 Center for Western Priorities, All rights reserved.
You've signed up to receive Look West updates.

Center for Western Priorities
1999 Broadway
Suite 520
Denver, CO 80202
USA
** View this on the web ([link removed])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])