Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Ducey's container stunt crumbles
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Friday, December 16, 2022
azgovernor.gov ([link removed])
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey's attempt to build a makeshift wall out of shipping containers on national public land came to an abrupt halt ([link removed]) this week, leaving a trail of environmental destruction and traffic snarls in its wake. The about-face came as the federal government sued the state ([link removed]) over Ducey's stunt, and after around 20 protesters started camping in front of the wall ([link removed]) , which was located in the Coronado National Forest.
Ducey had said he planned to spend $95 million in taxpayer money to set up 3,000 shipping containers along the U.S.-Mexico border in Cochise County. Arizona Republic columnist EJ Montini noted that the area ([link removed]) "is not a huge draw for illegal border crossers of the human variety, but it is vital to the comings and goings of several endangered species, including ocelots."
When Ducey's construction crew started transferring containers back to the state prison complex in Tucson, they dragged enough mud onto a state highway ([link removed]) that the department of transportation had to close a lane to ensure drivers' safety.
With Ducey leaving office in two weeks, it appears he will leave an environmental mess behind on the border, and taxpayers are on the hook to clean up after him. The Biden administration's lawsuit seeks to dismantle Ducey's containers and bill the state for the cost.
Quick hits
** Upper Colorado River states launch program to pay users to cut back on water
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The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
** As the Colorado River shrinks, Arizona looks at recycling, desalination, taller dams
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Arizona Republic ([link removed])
** 'Ticking clock' on Biden's promise to designate Avi Kwa Ame National Monument
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KLAS ([link removed])
** Public meeting illuminates extensive process for Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal
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Aspen Times ([link removed])
** Capitalism fuels the climate crisis. Can it also offer solutions?
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
** Coalition to save giant sequoias says it made more progress than expected this year
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E&E News ([link removed])
** University program uses nature therapy walks to help wildfire survivors
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Washington Post ([link removed])
** We're still here: What it means to be a Native American working for the National Park Service
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National Parks Conservation Association ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” That’s one of the things I would like to see. More Indigenous people in the green and gray sharing their own stories, managing their own parks, fighting and working for their people, for these sacred places.”
—Ravis Henry, Canyon de Chelly park ranger, NPCA ([link removed])
Picture this
** @usfws ([link removed])
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“If I hear one more complaint, I will turn this car around!” – Mom Opossum
To be fair, this mom has a lot on her plate, err, back. Wrangling that many babies is difficult! Opossums are marsupials, which means they care for their newborn young in their pouch. Babies are born tiny and helpless. They gain nutrients and strength as they develop in their safe space/cozy pouch home. Once they are bigger, baby opossums will often ride on their mother’s back so nobody gets lost as she forages for food.
#rideordie ([link removed]) #momlife ([link removed])
Photo: Larry Woodward/USFWS
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