** Biden administration launches coal/climate review
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Friday, August 20, 2021
BLM Wyoming ([link removed])
The Biden administration launched a review of the federal coal leasing program ([link removed]) , examining both the climate and fiscal impacts of burning publicly-owned coal. The review will pick up where the Obama administration left off, which paused coal leasing in 2016, but never reformed the underlying system. President Trump attempted to restart coal leasing, a move that was quickly challenged by states and conservation groups.
In addition to examining the climate costs of burning coal from public lands, the Interior Department review will also look at whether taxpayers get a fair return from the coal leasing program. Revenue has fallen drastically in recent years, from more than $1 billion in 2015 to less than $400 million last year ([link removed]) .
Thursday's announcement opened a 30-day period for Americans to help shape the scope of the review. The public can submit comments via email ([link removed]) .
Quick hits
** Indigenous advocates reclaim the Bears Ears narrative
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Boulder Weekly ([link removed])
** While Biden talks about climate action, courts are shaping climate policy
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Washington Post ([link removed])
** Administration to review federal coal leasing program
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Reuters ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed])
** New analysis suggests widespread illegal methane flaring
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Grist ([link removed])
** Fast-moving Caldor wildfire forces evacuations; Dixie fire first to burn clear across the Sierra Nevada
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New York Times ([link removed]) | CNN ([link removed]) | San Francisco Chronicle ([link removed])
** For dairy cows, more smoke means less milk
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High Country News ([link removed])
** Zion considers new fees as crowds flood national parks
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USA Today ([link removed])
** Rep. Boebert failed to disclose husband's energy income while she pushed to loosen drilling rules
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Washington Post ([link removed])
Quote of the day
Because we are the ultimate stewards, we’re the first caretakers. We’re the ultimate champions for protecting the land. We always have been, and how that’s been lost on all these communities who say that they care about the land is beyond me.”
—Angelo Baca, Utah Diné Bikéyah, Boulder Weekly ([link removed])
Picture this
** @interior ([link removed])
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When viewed from an airplane, the rugged mountains stretch like a spine across the verdant landscape of the @USFWS ([link removed]) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The name Kodiak, is based on the Alutiiq word Qik’rtaq, which means island.
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