** Trump administration poised to weaken bedrock environmental law
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Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Oil & gas operation, Bureau of Land Management ([link removed])
The Trump administration is expected to aim its deregulatory agenda on the National Environmental Policy Act ([link removed]) (NEPA), one of the nation's most significant environmental laws. The proposed changes to the 50-year old law that analyzes short and long-term environmental impacts of infrastructure projects are the stuff of industry dreams; proponents say ([link removed]) that changes to NEPA will reduce barriers and speed permitting for infrastructure projects, including oil and gas pipelines.
The Trump administration is reportedly proposing nixing considerations for climate change ([link removed]) , dropping the requirement to consider cumulative impacts, and limiting the scope of projects subject to the law's review. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed rules for a period of 60 days after they are filed in the Federal Register.
** CEO of mining company retires amid financial woes
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Rocky Mountain Resources, the company behind the proposed expansion of a limestone quarry that threatens the thriving tourist economy of Glenwood Springs, Colorado is experiencing significant financial woes made evident in recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company announced its CEO will step down ([link removed]) as it anticipates further financial losses in 2020.
Quick hits
** How the Trump administration is gutting protections for migratory birds
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New York Times ([link removed])
** Abandoned hard rock mines are part of the alarming Superfund backlog as Trump's EPA slashes funding
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The Denver Post ([link removed])
** Passions flare on both sides as the BLM updates a land use plan for motorized recreation in Utah
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Trump administration weakens bedrock environmental law at behest of industry
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
** CEO of company pursuing mine expansion near Glenwood Springs to retire amid significant financial woes
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])
** Hiking fees set to double in parts of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Wolf reintroduction measure officially added to Colorado ballot
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])
** Yellowstone geyser broke eruption record in 2019
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USA Today ([link removed])
Quote of the day
They’re clearly trying to institutionalize climate denial into federal decision-making. This is the existential threat to how the government incorporates climate change into their decision-making process."
—Stephen Schima ([link removed]) , senior legislative counsel at Earthjustice
Picture this
** Delicate Arch Sunset ([link removed])
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Arches National Park, Utah. Credit: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
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