** Biden finalizing pledge to cut U.S. emissions in half by 2030
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Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Wind energy generation on public lands near Palm Springs, California | Bureau of Land Management ([link removed]) courtesy of Tom Brewster Photography

According to reporting by the Washington Post ([link removed]) , President Biden will pledge to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030—an ambitious goal that represents a near-doubling of the target agreed to in the Paris Accord. The move comes as Biden convenes a major international climate summit ([link removed]) later this week.

Cutting emissions in half by the end of this decade will require significant changes—and present significant opportunities—throughout the country, including on public lands. According to government scientists ([link removed]) , fossil fuels extracted from our public lands account for nearly one-quarter of all U.S. emissions.

In its three months in office, the Biden administration has already temporarily paused new oil and gas leasing on public lands while evaluating major reforms, revoked Trump-era policies designed to dramatically expand new drilling, and moved to reinstate protections for multiple national monuments and wildlife refuges.

Going forward, Interior Secretary Haaland is hoping to prioritize climate action in next year's federal budget. Yesterday, Haaland appeared before Congressional budget writers to advocate for an ambitious budget ([link removed]) that would boost funding for renewable energy development, establish a Civilian Climate Corps, and employ drilling workers to clean up abandoned oil and gas wells.
Quick hits


** State trust land managers turn to real estate development amid declining revenue from drilling, grazing
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Daily Yonder ([link removed])


** Climber sinks bolts into Utah petroglyphs, roiling Indigenous, recreation communities
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New Republic ([link removed])


** Idaho legislature advances bill to kill 90% of state's wolves with private contractors
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** Extreme drought sets up major conflict between industrial water users in southeast New Mexico
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Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])


** Interior Department continues to process drilling permits during temporary leasing pause
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S&P Global ([link removed])


** In Congressional hearing, Haaland asks for money to fight climate change, aid tribes
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Daily Montanan ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Nevada Current ([link removed])


** Biden announces pledge to slash U.S. carbon emissions in half by 2030
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Washington Post ([link removed])


** Opinion: New Mexico's bold plan on methane pollution should serve as a model
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The Hill ([link removed])
Quote of the day
The long term forecast based on what we’re seeing in the weather patterns shows no relief in the near future. I’m fearful this will be the entire summer. One good rain even could turn things around, but I’m not banking on that.”
—Carlsbad Irrigation District Manager Robert Boatman ([link removed])
Picture this


** @CanyonlandsNPS ([link removed])
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Canyonlands protects over 337,598 acres of desert landscape, but did you know it also preserves the night sky above? In some areas of the park, you can see up to 15,000 stars throughout the night, compared to the average 500 stars in cities. Now that's quite a sight! #DarkSkyWeek ([link removed])

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