Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** The oil baron pushing Trump to go all in on fossil fuels
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Monday, December 15, 2025
Left to right: Harold Hamm, Doug Burgum, Donald Trump, Elon Musk. CWP AI & photo illustration by Lilly Bock-Brownstein.
The alliance ([link removed]) between Continental Resources oil baron Harold Hamm and President Donald Trump is reconfiguring federal energy policies for the benefit of oil and gas companies while putting off the transition to clean energy development.
According to reporting by the New York Times, ([link removed]) Mr. Hamm's more than $2 million dollars in campaign contributions has given him outsize influence within the Trump administration. Hamm has used his influence to install oil and gas industry loyalists for top administration jobs, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Since the beginning of the year, the Trump administration and Congress have moved to undo or weaken policies related to oil and gas ([link removed]) , including fuel-efficiency standards, methane emissions regulations, and tax credits for electric vehicles and renewable power. According to an analysis for the Times by the Princeton University-led REPEAT Project, these rollbacks will cause an estimated 7.6 billion tons of additional greenhouse gas emissions ([link removed]) to be released in the coming decade. “We’ve just gotten started,” Hamm said at a recent energy conference ([link removed]) hosted by a conservative think tank. “It’s a changed world.”
** Quick hits
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The oil man pushing Trump to go all in on fossil fuels
New York Times ([link removed])
National Park Service changes performance ratings, a move experts say is illegal
Washington Post ([link removed])
Bucking Wyoming Wildlife Commission, Gov. Gordon prunes pronghorn migration corridor
Jackson Hole News & Guide ([link removed])
Report: Climate change is stealing rain and snow from the Colorado River
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Burgum assumes control over American Prairie grazing cases
Daily Montanan ([link removed])
Trump signs resolutions repealing western resource management plans
E&E News ([link removed])
Colorado water regulators approve historic stream, wetlands protections
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Editorial: Sen. Hickenlooper is right to oppose Steve Pearce for BLM nominee early
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” In our part of Colorado, taking care of public lands and water; taking care of the people who work for the Forest Service, BLM and Park Service; and making sure public land uses are managed with a long-term perspective is imperative to support our local businesses and way of life.”
—Jon Hare, High Country Conservation Advocates, Gunnison Country Times ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
🎶On the 2nd day of public lands, BLM gave to us... Las Cienegas! 🎉🌿🎶
Arizona may be known for its arid landscapes, but the year-round flow of Cienega Creek is a true gem! This vibrant green oasis is one of southern Arizona's most crucial riparian zones, brimming with diverse wildlife and lush vegetation.
Wondering how to make the most of your visit? Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and even camping! There’s something for everyone to connect with nature and appreciate this stunning area.
📸 Alan Nyiri
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