Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** "Apocalypse Papers" show rapidly declining biodiversity
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Tuesday May 3, 2022
Desert landscape with several different types of cacti, including a large saguaro cactus, in Tucson, AZ. WClarke, Wikimedia ([link removed])

A number of harrowing research papers ([link removed]) published last month confirm what we already know: global biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate ([link removed]) .

The papers include a sweeping report from the United Nations ([link removed]) that found more than 70 percent of the Earth’s land has already been altered by human activity, a warning that climate change is on track to push more than half of the world’s species of cactus into extinction by 2050, ([link removed].) and a first-of-its-kind study ([link removed]) which found more than one in five species of reptiles are now at risk of extinction.

Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, calls these kinds of studies "Apocalypse Papers." "Killing the planet is killing ourselves, and that’s the message that everybody needs to absorb and start acting on," she told Inside Climate News ([link removed]) .

This biodiversity crisis prompted the goal to protect 30 percent of America's land and waters by 2030, which is the centerpiece of President Joe Biden's America the Beautiful plan. ([link removed]) Protecting the habitats plants and animals depend on will help them adapt to climate change ([link removed]) and can help fight global warming by keeping carbon from being released through logging and other types of development.

To learn more about how the West can help America reach 30 by 30, check out our Western Road to 30 w ([link removed]) ebsite. ([link removed])


** New Greater Chaco Video
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Archaeology Southwest released a video ([link removed]) yesterday about the importance of protecting the Greater Chaco region from oil and gas drilling, featuring leaders and representatives from the Acoma Pueblo, Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Santa Clara Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, and Zuni Pueblo as well as archaeologist Paul Reed.

The Biden administration is currently considering ([link removed]) a 20 year mineral withdrawal that would extend out 10 miles from the current boundaries of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, encompassing roughly 351,000 acres of federal land. The comment period for the withdrawal ends on May 6.
Quick hits


** With protections restored, tribal council charts new path for Bears Ears
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Mongabay ([link removed])


** Wyoming oil and gas spills were up in 2021
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Wyoming Public Media ([link removed])


** Opinion: Tribal communities near Chaco Canyon need a buffer zone from oil and gas
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Arizona Republic ([link removed])


** An oil train is set to destroy pristine Utah mountains. Why won’t Biden stop it?
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Mother Jones ([link removed])


** Colorado senators decry GOP opposition to popular Colorado conservation bill
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Indigenous women say ‘no’ to extraction for sustainable future
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High Country News ([link removed])


** Big Oil has been ghostwriting letters of support from elected officials
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Huff Post ([link removed])


** Could one of these be our next national park?
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Outside ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” I would say there is a very good chance as the water level drops that we are going to find additional human remains.”
—Lt. Ray Spencer on a body found in Lake Mead, Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
Picture this


** @mypubliclands ([link removed])
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Happy #WildflowerWeek!

Spring is a great time to visit your BLM public lands and go on a "wildflower photo safari." See what's blooming and take some amazing photos! 🌹🌻🌵🏜️

This prickly pear cactus was spotted in bloom at Arizona's Agua Fria National Monument. Besides their beauty, many wildflowers have a mutualistic relationship with pollinators – they need pollinators like native bees to help with fertilization and in return provide delicious nectar and pollen. When you're out, see if you can spot any bees covered with bright yellow pollen grains zooming around.

While out on public lands, always #RecreateResponsibly and #LeaveNoTrace.

📸 BLM-Mexico

Alt Text: Prickly, green cactus blooms with yellow buds

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