** Senate takes two major steps forward on climate, infrastructure
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Wind turbines near Palm Springs, California | Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])

On Tuesday, the United States Senate passed a major $1 trillion funding package ([link removed]) to improve the nation's infrastructure on a bipartisan 69-30 vote. Notably, the legislation includes significant funds ([link removed]) to advance renewable energy, clean up abandoned oil and gas wells, mitigate wildfires, and improve Western water infrastructure.

Taken together, more than $47 billion ([link removed]) in the legislation would be directed towards responding to the impacts of climate change. Should the House pass the legislation, it would mark a much-needed step in responding to the climate crisis, just as scientists at the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a damning report ([link removed]) highlighting future impacts should countries fail to act swiftly.

While the bipartisan infrastructure bill does provide funding for strategies to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is clear that much more investment is needed. In the early hours of this morning, the Senate passed an ambitious $3.5 trillion plan ([link removed]) that would enact fees on carbon pollution, establish a Civilian Climate Corps, and fund public works projects to make communities and landscapes more resilient.


** Oil companies have stockpiled nearly 10,000 approved, but unused, public lands drilling permits
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When the Biden administration enacted a temporary pause ([link removed]) on new oil and gas leases on public lands, the oil industry said the sky was falling ([link removed]) , predicting massive job losses and production cuts. In the meantime, drill rig counts have increased ([link removed]) , stock prices have risen ([link removed]) , and major oil companies flush with cash have begun taking steps for their shareholders ([link removed]) to reap the benefits. Now, new data
([link removed]) from the Bureau of Land Management ([link removed]) shows that, despite industry fear mongering, oil companies have stockpiled 9,841 approved, but unused public lands drilling permits, up an astonishing 25% since March.
Read more of the Center for Western Priorities drilling permit analysis on Westwise ([link removed]) .
Quick hits


** Interior Department begins review of Trump decision to open sage-grouse habitat to drilling, mining
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Yellowstone National Park aims to use 150th anniversary to improve tribal partnerships
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Wyoming Public Media ([link removed])


** As California's Dixie Fire swells, heat, drought, and climate change combine in 'perfect storm'
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The Guardian ([link removed])


** Exploding California wildfires rekindle debate over snuffing out fires in remote wilderness
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Inside Climate News ([link removed])


** Senate passes major infrastructure bill, includes funding to bolster renewables, climate resilience
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed]) | Los Angeles Times ([link removed])


** Seven national park alternatives to Yellowstone, Zion, and more
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Conde Nast Traveler ([link removed])


** A proposed Colorado gold mine, on a wilderness area border, is generating local opposition
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Editorial: Of all places, Utah and the West must take climate change seriously
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Deseret News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
When we suppress fire, we aren’t preventing fire. We’re just deferring fire.”
—James Johnston ([link removed]) , research associate at Oregon State University College of Forestry
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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You have to admit, the @BLMNational ([link removed]) Corona Arch looks breathtaking under a clear night sky. Located about 14 driving miles from Moab, Utah, the Corona Arch Trail is a moderately strenuous 3-mile round trip hike with striking views that will leave you feeling inspired.

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