** Biden budget calls for action on conservation, renewables, climate
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Wind turbines near Palm Springs, California | Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])
On Friday, the Biden administration released its proposed budget for fiscal year 2022. The plan calls for a 16.7% increase in funding for the Interior Department ([link removed]) , including boosts for conservation, renewable energy, climate mitigation, and tribal land management. Notably, the plan also calls for an increase in funding to mitigate and fight wildfires ahead of what is expected to be an active fire season.
In addition to boosting funding for renewables on public lands, the budget also calls for dramatically increasing spending to permit new offshore wind development. “We are also looking at how to diversify energy sources so we can better adapt to demands of global markets,” said ([link removed]) Laura Daniel-Davis, principal deputy assistant Interior secretary for land and minerals management.
Conservation organizations welcomed the plan, noting the stark difference with proposals by the Trump administration to reduce funding for the Interior Department while expanding drilling and mining. "This budget proposal shows President Biden is serious about conserving America’s public lands for future generations while transforming America to a renewable energy economy," said ([link removed]) Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala. "Congress should use this budget proposal as a blueprint for how to invest in public lands and the outdoors, and also take urgent action to address the climate crisis.”
**
------------------------------------------------------------
Quick hits
** Biden's fossil fuel moves clash with pledges on climate change
------------------------------------------------------------
New York Times ([link removed]) | Wyoming Public Media ([link removed])
** A Colorado ski company is powered by methane from an abandoned coal mine—but can it be replicated?
------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Post ([link removed])
** How to turn abandoned coal mines into a rare earth mineral powerhouse
------------------------------------------------------------
Grist ([link removed])
** Emails show oil industry lobbied Utah legislators, governor to oppose Biden climate policies despite little impact
------------------------------------------------------------
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Bill to clean up abandoned oil wells clears House committee
------------------------------------------------------------
Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
** New Mexico's new oil and gas emission rules have taken effect—what's next?
------------------------------------------------------------
Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
** Opinion: How to explore the West and escape the crowds
------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
** Opinion: Why we should be turning former mines into trails
------------------------------------------------------------
Outside Magazine ([link removed])
Quote of the day
The reality is: the industry is locking up nearly two million acres ([link removed]) of land in Utah with unused oil and gas sites. All the while, the West is in the throes of the worst drought our region has ever suffered — fueled by climate disruption exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions. Sixty-eight percent of Utahns support limiting new fossil fuel leasing on public lands ([link removed]) because we have seen the consequences of excessive extraction and also recognize the massive potential of our clean energy future.”
—Carly Ferro ([link removed]) , director of the Sierra Club's Utah Chapter
Picture this
** @Interior ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
As the weather warms, wildflowers will sweep the higher elevations, adding a pop of color to places like @BLMNational ([link removed]) 's Pine Forest Range Wilderness in Nevada.
============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Copyright © 2021 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])
