** Oil & gas drilling stresses the arid West's precious water resources
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Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Photo credit: Colorado State Land Board ([link removed])

According to a new analysis ([link removed]) by the Center for American Progress (CAP), one of the biggest and least scrutinized water users in the Western United States is the oil and gas industry. Producing oil from a single well requires millions of gallons of water. ([link removed]) Multiply that by thousands of wells currently in operation across the arid West and it paints a bleak picture for limited and precious water supplies.

CAP's analysis of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) oil and gas leasing data shows that since the start of the Trump administration, more than 60% of leases ([link removed]) were offered in areas classified as experiencing "high" or "extremely high" water stress, as defined by the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas. ([link removed]) In New Mexico's booming Permian Basin, 95% of the BLM's leases were offered in "extremely high" water stressed areas.

Currently,there isn't a standard reporting requirement for energy companies' water usage ([link removed]) , and the BLM does not offer adequate guidance on how the agency should consider water impacts in its leasing decisions.


** BLM employees receive relocation letters
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Washington, D.C.-based Bureau of Land Management employees received reassignment letters yesterday ([link removed]) , kicking off a 30-day clock for each employee to accept a forced relocation, resign, or face potential termination just before the holiday season.
Quick hits


** Navajo Nation won't financially back purchase of coal mines
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | Missoulian ([link removed]) | KTVQ ([link removed])


** BLM employees receive reassignment letters with 30-day window to accept relocation, resign, or face termination
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The Hill ([link removed])


** Oil and gas drilling stresses the arid West's precious water resources
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Center for American Progress ([link removed]) | Reuters ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Nevada Current ([link removed])


** Up to 50% of the habitat that supports the imperiled sagebrush ecosystem is gone
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** California water district with ties to the Trump administration in line for a massive water contract
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | Salon ([link removed])


** Wyoming announces study of revenue shortfalls from reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas
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Gillette News Record ([link removed]) | Outlier News ([link removed])


** Editorial: Proposed protections for Chaco Culture National Historical Park strike the right balance
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Albuquerque Journal ([link removed])


** Opinion: Small businesses in rural communities help power the outdoor recreation industry
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Quote of the day
With climate change increasing water scarcity in much of the West, consideration of energy development impacts on watersheds can no longer be optional.”
—Jenny Rowland-Shea, Center for American Progress ([link removed])
Picture this


** @ ([link removed]) Interior ([link removed])
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On November 12, 1971, Congress changed the status of Arches National Monument to Arches National Park. That’s today! But no matter the name, season or reason, we love celebrating @ArchesNPS ([link removed]) . Pic by Zack Nicol ([link removed] ([link removed]) ) #Utah ([link removed]) #FindYourPark ([link removed])

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