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


** Local officials urge Biden administration to protect more BLM lands
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Owyhee Canyon Overlook, B ([link removed]) LM Oregon ([link removed])

The Mountain Pact ([link removed]) , a partnership of local elected officials in Western states, released ([link removed]) a letter ([link removed]) calling on the Biden administration to protect more Bureau of Land Management lands as part of the America the Beautiful initiative ([link removed]) . A total of 123 elected officials signed it, including county commissioners, mayors, and council members.

In addition to addressing conservation goals, the protection of public lands supports outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic stability for the communities represented by the Mountain Pact.

The letter emphasizes the importance of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and urges the Biden administration to take action on conservation. "As the largest land manager in the nation, the Bureau of Land Management must play a leading role in protecting our public lands for the future," the letter states ([link removed]) , "Because of this, we encourage you to use your authority to advance conservation across the West, by using all of the conservation tools at your disposal."


** EPA proposes protections for world’s biggest sockeye salmon fishery
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The Biden administration announced today ([link removed]) that it will protect Bristol Bay in Alaska in order to protect one of the world’s biggest salmon spawning grounds. The EPA proposed a new veto of the Pebble gold and copper mine in Alaska under the Clean Water Act.

“The Bristol Bay watershed is a shining example of how our nation's waters are essential to healthy communities, vibrant ecosystems, and a thriving economy,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement ([link removed]

If finalized, this action will create permanent environmental protections for Bristol Bay fisheries and ensure stability for the fishing industry that Alaska Natives depend on.
Quick hits


** Gas generation is down across the West as renewable capacity grows
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S&P Global ([link removed])


** Why Colorado’s recent snowstorm might increase fire risk
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Denver Post ([link removed])


** Navajo Nation says upgrades needed at Antelope Point Marina
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Navajo-Hopi Observer ([link removed])


** Sunken boats emerge as water disappears at Lake Mead
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CNN ([link removed])


** Oil and gas threatens New Mexico lizard species
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Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])


** Ashes and silver linings: Marshall Fire survivors reflect
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High Country News ([link removed])


** What an updated 150-year-old mining law could mean for Arizona
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Fronteras ([link removed])


** Despite a $2 billion plan to save them, salmon are vanishing anyway
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ProPublica ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” Climate change isn’t just caused by burning fossil fuels. It’s also driven by the destruction of carbon-storing natural habitats like those needed by the lizard. This destruction in turn is the main cause of the extinction crisis and thus the oil and gas industry’s destruction of the natural world is a double whammy."
—Michael Robinson, Center for Biological Diversity, Carlsbad Current-Argus ([link removed])
Picture this


** @lakemeadnps ([link removed])
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📢 Newly exposed shoreline is dense and difficult to navigate. As a result, vehicles, vessels and people can get stuck.

❗ If you're struggling to maneuver your car, boat or yourself along the beach, immediately head to higher ground if possible. No boat or car is worth a life.

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