Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Judge orders feds to decide if wolverines need protection
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Wildlife officials have previously estimated that 250 to 300 wolverines survive in remote areas of the Western U.S. Credit: William F. Wood via Wikimedia Commons ([link removed])
Wolverines have been in decline for at least 20 years. Now, a ([link removed]) judge is asking ([link removed]) the federal government to decide whether the large, carnivorous weasels deserve Endangered Species Act protection.
The ruling comes after ([link removed]) environmental groups challenged a ([link removed]) Trump-era decision ([link removed]) to withhold protections for the animals in the lower 48 states, where only 250 to 300 wolverines likely remain. The elusive predators live in remote areas of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington ([link removed]) , and wolverine sightings have also been reported in California, Utah, Colorado and Oregon ([link removed]) .
U.S. wildlife officials will have 18 months ([link removed]) to decide whether or not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. The environmental groups that brought the case argue that climate change is a threat to wolverines ([link removed]) , which rely on snowpack to build dens in which they give birth and raise their young. Based on climate change modeling, some wolverine researchers predict almost two-thirds of the species’ denning habitat will disappear by 2085 ([link removed]) .
** Biden cuts costs for clean energy projects on public lands
------------------------------------------------------------
The Biden administration announced yesterday ([link removed]) it plans to reduce the cost of building wind and solar energy projects on federal lands to help encourage renewable energy development and address climate change. The change is the result of lobbying by the clean energy industry ([link removed]) , which has said leases and other fees are prohibitively high.
In a statement ([link removed]) , the Interior Department said rents and fees for solar and wind projects would fall by about 50%. The White House also announced ([link removed]) the creation of renewable energy coordinating offices in Washington, Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.
Quick hits
** Colville Tribes reflect on return of 328 acres of ancestral land in Washington
------------------------------------------------------------
KUOW ([link removed])
** Colorado River managers plan to study water loss between Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell this summer
------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
** Greenlit powerlines portend Wyoming wind energy boom
------------------------------------------------------------
WyoFile ([link removed])
** Opinion: Why asking "when will Arizona run out of water" is the wrong question
------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona Republic ([link removed])
** Cows in Wyoming don flashing LED lights as part of depredation research
------------------------------------------------------------
WyoFile ([link removed])
** Crews may have turned corner in fight against New Mexico's mega-blaze
------------------------------------------------------------
Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
** Tapping mineral waste could offset environmental impacts of green energy
------------------------------------------------------------
The Conversation ([link removed])
** Trump policies sent U.S. tumbling in Ivy League climate ranking
------------------------------------------------------------
New York Times ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” During Great Outdoors Month, I encourage Americans to take time to experience the natural wonders across our Nation. As we enjoy the great outdoor landscapes and seascapes, let us each recommit to doing our part in their stewardship, preservation, and sustainable use so they continue to be a source of inspiration for outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come."
—President Joe Biden ([link removed])
Picture this
** @GlacierBayNPS ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Near-perfect reflections on another gorgeous bluebird day in Glacier Bay. There's more blue skies and 70º weather on the way! We hope you enjoyed a meaningful, restful, memorial day weekend. Pictured: Mount Crillon (12,664') and Mount Bertha (10,151')
============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Center for Western Priorities, All rights reserved.
You've signed up to receive Look West updates.
Center for Western Priorities
1999 Broadway
Suite 520
Denver, CO 80202
USA
** View this on the web ([link removed])
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
