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


** Sinema eyes changes to tax, climate portions of Inflation Reduction Act
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Thursday, August 4, 2022
Kyrsten Sinema's vote is required to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. G ([link removed]) age Skidmore, Flickr ([link removed])

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema revealed what it might take to get her on board with the Inflation Reduction Act ([link removed]) , which addresses inflation, healthcare costs, and climate change. Since all Republican senators are expected to vote against the package, Sinema's support is required for it to pass through the reconciliation process ([link removed]) .

Senator Sinema is reportedly seeking changes ([link removed]) to the language restricting the carried interest loophole ([link removed]'carried%20interest%20loophole'%20means%20for%20the%20Senate,many%20attempts%20to%20eliminate%20it.) , which would increase taxes for some hedge fund managers and private equity investors. If Sinema removes this provision, it will cut $14 billion of the bill's $739 billion ([link removed]'carried%20interest%20loophole'%20means%20for%20the%20Senate,many%20attempts%20to%20eliminate%20it.) projected revenue.

Sinema's second request is to add roughly $5 billion in drought resiliency funding ([link removed]) to the legislation, which is critical to addressing the water shortage in Arizona ([link removed]) and across the West.

While the additional drought funding is likely to get support, it remains to be seen whether all the Democrats will be willing to accept Sinema's changes to the carried interest loophole. All eyes now turn back to Senator Joe Manchin—who previously insisted on closing the loophole ([link removed]) with this legislation—to see if he is willing to accept Sinema's changes.
Quick hits


** How will Senator Sinema vote on the climate bill?
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CNN ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed]) | Axios ([link removed]) | Politico ([link removed]) | Arizona Republic ([link removed]) | S ([link removed]) ierra Magazine ([link removed]) [opinion]


** Alaska’s Willow Project promises huge amounts of oil—and huge environmental impacts
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High Country News ([link removed])


** The Senate climate deal promises a safer future for birds
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Audubon Magazine ([link removed])


** Drought and 'antique' pipes could slow Colorado River to a trickle
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Arizona Republic ([link removed])


** Can Copper Mountain do something about climate change using its own slopes?
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Questions abound as Biden admin weighs forest protections
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E&E News ([link removed])


** Rocky Mountain National Park visitors can now rent all-terrain wheelchair for free
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Denver Post ([link removed])


** Report: Climate change a challenge for Idaho wildlife
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Associated Press ([link removed]'s%20climate%20is%20expected%20to,with%20heatwaves%20becoming%20more%20frequent)
Quote of the day
” We know how much our culture is at risk with this infrastructure. We shouldn't be sacrificed for the national energy policy. Our way of life is important to us. We want to continue to harvest food on our lands and waters.”
—Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, Mayor of Nuiqsut, Alaska, H ([link removed]) igh Country News ([link removed])
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** @B ([link removed]) LMca ([link removed])
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⚡🔥 As thunderstorms rolled across CA last weekend, they ignited the #R1Fire ([link removed]) on Shaffer Mountain, a landmark NE of Susanville. Crews jumped into action on the ground and from the air, and successfully held the fire to 68 acres. #WeAreBLMFire ([link removed]) #FireYear2022 ([link removed])
📸 @BLMFire ([link removed])

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