** Trump pulls nomination of anti-public lands extremist to head lands bureau
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Monday, August 17, 2020
Anti-public lands extremist William Perry Pendley | Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])

This weekend, the White House withdrew its controversial nomination ([link removed]) of anti-public lands extremist William Perry Pendley to head the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The decision comes after public and political outrage ([link removed]) over Pendley's history of calling for the sale of public lands ([link removed]) , working to dismantle public lands protections and access, overt racism toward native tribes ([link removed]) , denial of climate change ([link removed]) , and anti-immigration and LGBTQ sentiments.

However, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt intends to keep Pendley in place ([link removed]) as the de facto director of the agency ([link removed]) , even though Pendley would be unable to get Senate confirmation for the job. Pendey has served as the effective head of the BLM for months, although he wasn't nominated as the official director until recently; the Trump administration has been sued over the arrangement ([link removed]) , which may violate the Constitution and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Center for Western Priorities' Exective Director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement ([link removed]) , "Withdrawing William Perry Pendley’s nomination confirms he couldn’t even survive a confirmation process run by the president’s allies in the Senate. Keeping him on the job anyway shows the depth of disdain Secretary Bernhardt and President Trump have for the Constitution... these bald-faced attempts to evade the Senate’s advice-and-consent duties cannot stand. Pendley must resign, or Secretary Bernhardt must fire him today."


** Breaking: Interior Secretary Bernhardt to approve drilling in Alaska's Arctic Refuge
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Today, ex-oil lobbyist Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is expected to approve ([link removed]) a plan to offer oil and gas leases ([link removed]) in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, furthering a career ([link removed]) spent working to weaken environmental protections and advancing fossil fuel industry initiatives. Drilling in the region would threaten wildlife, and many question the current value ([link removed]) of oil in the region following a plunge in the industry.



** Trump administration eliminates major methane rule, even as leaks worsen
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Last Thursday, the Trump Administration weakened a major methane regulation ([link removed]) , freeing oil and gas companies from the need to detect and repair leaks. The new rules effectively deregulate methane storage and transmission ([link removed]) , even though methane is a potent greenhouse gas that causes climate change and leaks have been on the rise.
Quick hits


** In boon for oil and gas industry, Interior looks to change rules on mineral royalty payments
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Durango Herald ([link removed])


** Public lands get big play in Western 2020 elections
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HuffPost ([link removed])


** Start with gear to drive camping diversity
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])


** Agriculture Secretary pressures forest managers on Trump agenda
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E&E News ([link removed])


** White House pulls nomination of anti-public lands extremist to head lands bureau
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | NPR ([link removed]) | CNN ([link removed]) | Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** Alaska drilling project would require 'chillers' to freeze thawing tundra resulting from climate change
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Bloomberg ([link removed]) Law ([link removed])


** In California, you can drill for oil next to a home. Activists hope to change that
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])


** Wildfire season has arrived in the West
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NBC ([link removed]) | CBS Denver ([link removed])
Quote of the day
This withdrawal is a clear acknowledgement from the administration that [Pendley] can't hold up to public scrutiny or tough questions. But our fight is not over until he is no longer overseeing our public lands."

—Montana Senator Jon Tester, E&E News ([link removed])
Picture this


** @ ([link removed]) Interior ([link removed])
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Let the forest hug you @RedwoodNPS ([link removed]) . The tallest trees in the world canopy above you, ferns carpet the soft ground below & every shade of brown & green luster around you. It's an unforgettable experience #California ([link removed])

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