** Bipartisan legislation would help clean up orphaned wells
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Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Department of Energy ([link removed])
Today, lawmakers are introducing a Senate bill ([link removed]) that would authorize $4.6 billion for federal cleanup of tens of thousands of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells throughout the country. Such wells pose an environmental hazard, and cleanup would help provide jobs.
There is broad recognition of the need for orphaned well cleanup, especially following the collapse of the oil and gas industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. As companies go bankrupt, taxpayers are often left with the reclamation bill.
The bipartisan bill comes on the heels of Biden's proposed infrastructure package and fiscal year 2022 budget proposal, which include $16 billion and $450 million for well cleanup work respectively ([link removed]) . The proposal is similar to House legislation ([link removed]) introduced in the House last week.
However, the bill does not address the root of the problem: inadequate bonding requirements ([link removed]) . As a result, such a solution would be short term. In order to resolve the issue in the long term, bonding reform ([link removed]) needs to come in tandem with well cleanup.
** No time to waste in restoring our national monuments
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On his first day as president, Joe Biden directed the Interior Department to evaluate whether his administration should reverse or modify President Trump’s egregious decision to dramatically shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Last week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited southern Utah ([link removed]) to hear from local communities, Native American tribes, and elected officials as she prepares recommendations for President Biden.
After her trip, it is clear there is strong support for restoring protections for both national monuments ([link removed]) and that failing to act quickly will leave these landscapes vulnerable to looting, vandalism, and the pressures of increased visitation without sufficient management tools.
Quick hits
** The land at Oak Flat is sacred to the Apache, and they are fighting to save it
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) (Opinion)
** Urban parks, vacant lots provide potential for conservation and community benefits
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E&E News ([link removed])
** Editorial: Time to preserve, grow, and heal our public lands
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Denver Post ([link removed])
** Methane emissions spiked in 2020, feeding fears of feedback loops and calls to cut flaring, venting
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DeSmog ([link removed])
** Good recreation economy data could help counties secure necessary funding, help local outdoor economy booms
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Daily Yonder ([link removed])
** No time to waste in restoring our national monuments
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Westwise ([link removed])
** Opinion: The history of indigenous tribes and America's national parks
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Atlantic ([link removed])
** Yellowstone grizzly population jumps with count revision, creates complications
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Jackson Hole Daily ([link removed])
Quote of the day
You can’t just pick up these sacred trees and move them. These are areas that are filled with unique significance to Native American tribes. It’s not transferrable. It’s not fungible. You can’t go build another place like Oak Flat.”
—Debbie Ho, a D.C. representative for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Washington Post ([link removed])
Picture this
** @Interior ([link removed])
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#TeamPublicLands ([link removed]) Tip: Know before you go. Before you set out, check agency websites or stop by a contact station to learn about fees, permits, check the weather, and make a plan. Know your limits and pack the proper gear for your public lands adventure [link removed] ([link removed])
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