** Chaco and Grand Canyon bills successful in the House
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Thursday, October 31, 2019
Chaco Canyon, National Park Service ([link removed])

Yesterday, the House voted to protect two significant Western landmarks from drilling and mining threats. The Chaco Culture Heritage Protection Act permanently prevents ([link removed]) new oil and gas development within a ten-mile radius of Chaco Canyon, protecting 316,000 acres and an estimated 5,000 artifacts ([link removed]) located in the area. The bill is celebrated ([link removed]) by tribal leaders, New Mexican legislators, and conservationists.

The Grand Canyon Centennial Act passed in the House as well, permanently withdrawing 1 million acres of land surrounding the Grand Canyon from new mining claims. The bill comes as the Trump administration considers lifting ([link removed]) a 20-year mining moratorium early and opening the area to uranium development.

Although both bills were successful in the House, they may face greater challenges in the Senate. The Chaco Canyon legislation already has strong supporters ([link removed]) in the Senate, but the Grand Canyon bill does not yet have ([link removed]) a Senate champion. While there is still work to be done, passing these two pieces of legislation is an important step in protecting the Grand Canyon and Chaco Canyon for future generations.
Quick hits


** Bernhardt probe puts California congressman in tough spot
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Roll Call ([link removed])


** Chaco Canyon, Grand Canyon bills pass in the House
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Albuquerque Journal ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | KRWG ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) |
KAWC ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** In Colorado, an underground fire won't be extinguished by snow
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Westword ([link removed])


** Hunters, anglers question Montana land swap
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Bozeman Daily Chronicle ([link removed])


** At Interior Department, survey offers snapshot of staff woes
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Border wall construction continues across sensitive lands in Arizona
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Arizona Public Media ([link removed])


** Condors reach recovery milestone
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High Country News ([link removed])


** One-ton "Wizard Rock" stolen from Arizona national forest
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CNN ([link removed])
Quote of the day
Chaco Canyon is a sacred place that future generations should be able to experience and learn from, but we've seen time and again how extractive industries threaten special places like Chaco. I'm incredibly blessed to work with colleagues who recognize the value of Chaco Canyon and has worked so hard to pass a bill that will protect Chaco, so that future generations of Pueblo people will have access to the place where our ancestors are buried, and New Mexicans will be able to take pride in having this pristine site in our state for years to come.”
—Rep. Deb Haaland, KRWG ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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Spooky or sublime? Take a walk in the woods
@CatoctinNPS ([link removed])
#Maryland ([link removed]) #FindYourPark ([link removed])

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