Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Methane leak at Alaskan drilling site prompts evacuations
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Friday, March 11, 2022
Tundra near Nuiqsut, Alaska | Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])
For nearly a week, gas has been leaking from a major drilling site in the Alaskan Arctic ([link removed]) operated by ConocoPhillips. In response, the company has evacuated more than 300 nonessential personnel from the area, and some 20 families have left the nearby town of Nuiqsut, a village of just 500 people.
“Right now, there is a lot of fear in the community,” said ([link removed]) Martha Itta, Nuiqsut’s former tribal administrator, who herself had fled the leak. “Community members are leaving on their own for their own safety at this time.”
The report of gas leaking from multiple wellheads comes as ConocoPhillips is seeking approval for a massive project nearby. Should it be approved, Conoco's proposed Willow Project would produce 160,000 barrels of oil a day for 30 years, effectively erasing ([link removed]) the climate benefits gained from the Biden administration's efforts to increase renewable energy on public lands.
Jeremy Lieb, a senior associate attorney at Earthjustice noted ([link removed]) the news “demonstrates that industry is still not able to operate safely in this environment. These projects pose a real threat to the people living nearby and a climate threat if you have a gas leak directly into the atmosphere.”
Quick hits
** 660 U.S. Place Names Include a Slur for Native Women. Change Is Coming.
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New York Times ([link removed])
** Size of drought in US increased by the area of California in the past month
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CNN ([link removed])
** Lake Powell to drop below target level within days, concerning sign for Colorado River basin
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Nevada Independent ([link removed])
** This could be the moment to free the U.S. from Russia, Saudi Arabia and all oil barons
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
** Gas leak from ConocoPhillips Alaskan drilling site forces evacuations
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Washington Post ([link removed])
** Photos: U.S. removes feral horses from public lands as drought continues
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Wall Street Journal ([link removed])
** Four days, 170 miles in bone-dry Death Valley: Could you survive this walk? He did.
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” Too many New Mexico communities are experiencing the serious health impacts of oil and gas pollution. Spills, leaks, venting and flaring are taking a toll on all New Mexicans’ air, water and health, but rural communities, tribal communities, children and the elderly are especially at risk. In fact, almost half of all Native Americans in San Juan County — about 22,000 people — live within a half-mile of a well site.”
—Joseph Hernandez ([link removed]) , Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project
Picture this
** @NatlParkService ([link removed])
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“Ground floor: Perfumery, stationery, wigs and haberdashery...” That escalated quickly! These desert Bighorn sheep at Colorado NM are well adapted for climbing steep terrain. Learn more at [link removed] ([link removed]) #FindYourPark ([link removed])
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