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


** Interior directs millions to ecosystem restoration projects
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Monday, May 16, 2022
@BLMNational ([link removed]) announces project allocations for $26 million received through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for ecosystem restoration following @Interior ([link removed]) 's allocation of more than $68 million for 125 ecosystem restoration projects [link removed] ([link removed]) .

The Interior Department announced a list of 125 ecosystem restoration projects ([link removed]) that will receive $68 million in funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law.

The projects will take place in 20 states, U.S. territories, and on Native American tribal lands ([link removed]) and will aim to address a wide array of issues, including slowing the spread of invasive plant species and preventing catastrophic wildfires.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will allow us to restore healthy ecosystems across the country,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. ([link removed]) “This is an important step towards building a better America for people and wildlife, for generations to come.”

Projects will be spread across Interior bureaus, including the Bureau of Land Management, which will receive $26 million to fund a broad range of projects. "We all rely on healthy, functioning ecosystems that deliver clean air and clean water, support wildlife, sequester carbon, and are less prone to the effects of catastrophic wildfire. These are wise investments for future generations," said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning ([link removed]) . She added, "Putting people to work on restoration efforts on our public lands will be key to help address the effects of a changing climate and long-term drought."


** First-ever map shows wildfire risk to homes
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New data released Monday by the First Street Foundation ([link removed]) , a nonprofit research group in New York, shows the nation’s wildfire risk is widespread, severe, and accelerating quickly, and for the first time ([link removed]) , calculates fire risk to residential and other properties throughout the lower 48 United States. The findings show 1 in 6 Americans live in areas with significant wildfire risk. ([link removed])
Quick hits


** National Park Service maintenance backlog balloons to $22 billion
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National Parks Traveler ([link removed])


** Mining is a polluting business—can new tech make it cleaner?
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National Geographic ([link removed])


** Big Oil braces for shareholder revolt over lackluster climate plans
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CNBC ([link removed])


** Archaeological sites once thought lost under Lake Powell reappear as water level drops
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Arizona Public Media ([link removed])


** Interior directs millions to ecosystem restoration projects
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Interior press release ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** The Colorado River is in crisis, and it's getting worse every day
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Washington Post ([link removed])


** First-ever map shows wildfire risk to homes across the lower 48
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New York Times ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed])


** Sen. Bennet's bill would aid fossil fuel-based communities
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Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” I think the federal government can make a good argument that our national energy needs have changed, and that renewable energy should be our focus and that therefore we do not need to have a schedule of proposed lease sales.”
—Sara Rollet Gosman, environment & energy law professor at the University of Arkansas, The Hill ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon red and be visible in most of the U.S. this Sunday night into Monday morning. America’s public lands are ideal places for watching celestial wonders like this Blood Moon! Photo @JoshuaTreeNPS ([link removed]) , by Julianne Koza

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