Senate takes two major steps forward on climate, infrastructure
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
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On Tuesday, the United States Senate passed a major $1 trillion funding package to improve the nation's infrastructure on a bipartisan 69-30 vote. Notably, the legislation includes significant funds to advance renewable energy, clean up abandoned oil and gas wells, mitigate wildfires, and improve Western water infrastructure.
Taken together, more than $47 billion 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 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 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
When the Biden administration enacted a temporary pause on new oil and gas leases on public lands, the oil industry said the sky was falling, predicting massive job losses and production cuts. In the meantime, drill rig counts have increased, stock prices have risen, and major oil companies flush with cash have begun taking steps for their shareholders to reap the benefits. Now, new data from the Bureau of Land Management 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.
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 When we suppress fire, we aren’t preventing fire. We’re just deferring fire.”
— James Johnston, research associate at Oregon State University College of Forestry |
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You have to admit, the @BLMNational 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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