** Biden’s remarks on climate ring hollow, as he considers leasing millions of acres of public land
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Wednesday, September 8, 2021
President Biden urged Congress to approve funding to combat climate change in a speech Tuesday, P ([link removed]) BS NewsHour, YouTube ([link removed])
President Biden addressed the nation from New York City on Tuesday ([link removed]) , just days after Hurricane Ida caused flooding in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, killing at least 43 people ([link removed]) .

Biden linked the deaths to climate change and called on Congress to take action by passing his $1 trillion infrastructure package, as well as Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill, both of which contain funding to address global warming. He is also asking for another $24 billion ([link removed]) to address hurricane damage.

“People are beginning to realize this is much, much bigger than anyone was willing to believe,” he said. “We have to take some bold action now to tackle the accelerating effects of climate [change].”

Biden is right to blame the deaths and destruction caused by Ida on climate change: Scientists agree that global warming is causing storms to become more intense and more destructive ([link removed]) . And he’s right to call on Congress to pass funding to address the challenges we face. But his words ring hollow, since his administration is making plans to auction off rights to more of our public land to oil and gas companies.

“While the president is encouraging Congress to act, his administration is about to hold an offshore drilling fire sale that could produce a billion barrels of oil,” said Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala. ([link removed])

She called on the White House to release a report on the oil and gas leasing system that could lead to much-needed reform and was supposed to be published earlier this summer.

“If President Biden is serious about acting on climate, the ball is in his court. America is watching,” Rokala said.
Quick hits


** Crowded summer could lead to creation of more national parks
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Utah's air pollution has long been an issue. And it's getting worse.
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New York Times ([link removed])


** Idaho rejects public land swap attempt by private developer
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High Country News ([link removed])


** New film highlights the issue of inaccessible public land
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Helena Independent Record ([link removed]\)


** Remote workers are flocking to Grand Junction for recreation opportunities
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** Colorado Parks and Wildlife official removed for wolf noncompliance
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Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])


** Could Utah become a leader on climate action?
KUER ([link removed])
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** Wildfire burn scars can actually trigger thunderstorms, causing flooding
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The Conversation ([link removed])
Quote of the day
Right now, our oceans and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing marine environment... From warming ocean waters, to increased threats of new offshore oil drilling, it is clear we need to act to protect these valuable resources that help grow our economy.”
—California lawmakers in support of the proposed Chumash marine sanctuary, Santa Barbara News-Press ([link removed])
Picture this


** @B ([link removed]) irdPOTY ([link removed])
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BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR & Birds in the Environment Category GOLD AWARD WINNER 🥇

BLOCKED by Alejandro Prieto, Mexico

"In this photograph, a Greater Roadrunner approaches the border wall at Naco, Arizona..."

Visit [link removed] for more!

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