G2. Local Greens

File:  ltr to Congress, 76 scientists 2012.pdfResource Type: Letters

File:  ltr to Congress, 76 scientists 2012.pdfResource Type: Letters

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the NW Energy Coalition hosted over 200 attendees at our fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Seattle, WA. We featured three panel discussions on balancing energy affordability as we decarbonize, exploring opportunities to further advance Tribal-led energy development, and achieving a new governance structure that opens the opportunity for a unified Western energy market.

This year, we also broke out into smaller groups for a Table Top discussion. These smaller groups convened and spoke with one another about advancing an equitable clean energy transition and how to break down silos across non-energy sectors like housing, water, community resilience  to create stronger solutions.

Opening Remarks: Dawn Lindell, General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light

Dawn Lindell, General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, kicked off the day with opening remarks. She gave the audience a snapshot of City Light’s service territory, statistics on the population served, and the mix of current power generation resources. She then described the forecasted growth in electricity demand and the need for new zero carbon energy resources. She also gave an overview of recent rising power prices and reasons behind them. Her presentation ended with a discussion of the challenges Seattle faces as it works to maintain a balance among growing population, using clean energy and maintaining affordability.

Dawn Lindell on stage. Photo by Alessandra de la Torre Dawn Lindell Power PointDownload

Panel 1: Energy Affordability in the Time of Decarbonization

Moderator: Alessandra de la Torre, NW Energy Coalition

Panelists:

• Jennifer Hill-Hart, Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board
• John Hoffman, Snohomish PUD
• Michelle Scala, Oregon Public Utility Commission
• Shaylee Stokes, The Energy Project

Panelists highlighted challenges in balancing affordability in the context of decarbonization. They discussed how the era of low energy costs has ended, driven by inflation on essential grid assets and increased demand, particularly from energy-intensive industries like cryptocurrency and data centers. These changes lead to higher bills, which are felt disproportionately by low-income customers.

Panelists proposed several immediate solutions to mitigate rising bills, including targeted monthly discounts and arrearage relief for struggling customers. The conversation also touched on the need for a robust data collection system tailored to marginalized communities, as well as the importance of tiered discount programs offered by utilities. The panelists acknowledged that multiple rate increases complicate budgeting for consumers. There is a need for a reasonable return on equity (ROE) for investor-owned utilities, balancing the necessities of access to capital with the imperative to protect vulnerable customers.

Recurring themes in the discussion included the impacts of extreme weather events, the challenges posed by equity in energy access, and the need for disconnection protections for customers facing financial hardship.  

The panelists shared a commitment to centering customer needs and ensuring that the transition to a clean energy future does not come at the expense of affordability. They recognized the complexity of these issues, stressing the importance of strategic funding in assistance programs to bridge the gap for affordability for all consumers. 

Panel 1. Jennifer Hill-Hart, Shaylee Stokes, Michelle Scala, John Hoffman, Alessandra de la Torre. Photo by Charlee Thompson.

Panel 2: Tribal Energy Development in the Northwest

Moderator: Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition

Panelists:

• Eriq Acosta, Spark Northwest
• Chas Jones, PICEA Consulting Group

Panelists discussed how Tribal communities are embracing clean energy and how they are working in consulting capacities with Tribes to support potential projects and efforts to invest in energy sovereignty. To understand how to further energy development among Tribes, it’s valuable to understand the challenges.

For Tribes to continue building on their portfolio of clean energy projects, education and workplace development within Tribal communities in the clean energy sector are crucial. Investing in workplace development would lead to expertise and long-term sustainable jobs in the clean energy sector staying within Tribal communities. In order for Tribes to hire for a longer term, though, there needs to be stable and ongoing sources of funding.

Capacity (staff, knowledge, money) within Tribes is a challenge. Whereas there is increased access to grants, financing and technical assistance from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Tribes are often challenged by lack of staff with grantwriting and project management experience, as well as clean energy experience.  Most government grants only fund projects on the ground, and it would be helpful long-term if they also supported capacity building, workforce development and technical support.

In working with Tribes on projects, panelists stressed the value of putting in the time and work to build trust and relationships. Learn the landscapes and people, take the time to show up. Addressing these challenges would increase Tribes’ abilities to manifest energy sovereignty.

Panel 2. Eriq Acosta, Chas Jones, Nancy Hirsh. Photo by Charlee Thompson.

Panel 3: A New Era for Electricity Markets in the West

Moderator: Ben Otto, NW Energy Coalition

Panelists:

• Pam Sporborg, Portland General Electric
• Mary Wiencke, Public Generating Pool
• Laura Hersch, FERC

Utilities across the West are considering two regional electricity market options to greatly improve the ability to control energy costs, increase reliability, and integrate more clean energy sources. The goal for a single Western electricity trading market is for utilities, independent power, and large customers to be able to reach across the Western landscape to find the lowest-cost resources available to meet local needs and optimize existing assets. However, the governance structure for each option has important differences that will impact the value customers receive. 

Panelists covered the two options. One is the Extended Day Ahead Market (EDAM) developed by Western interests and built upon the successful Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) operated by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). The WEIM covers 80% of energy supplies and has delivered over $6 billion in benefits by enabling more efficient trading of extra resources between power providers. The other option, Markets+, is a project of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a consortium of Midwest utilities based in Arkansas. SPP and Western interests developed the Markets+ proposal independently of the CAISO backdrop. From the perspectives of distinct interests – an investor-owned utility, publicly owned utility, and regulatory agency – the panelists discussed the importance of building new structures in the West to benefit customers and the differences in governance structure for each option.

Panelists also discussed a new proposal to address the core issue of creating a Western energy market that is independent of any one state or participant. The Pathways Initiative, in which NWEC is an active participant, proposes to separate the EDAM and WEIM from CAISO by creating a new, independent entity to govern this electricity trading option. A key feature of the Pathways proposal is strong protections for the public interest compared to any other option. For example, the panelist from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Office of Public Participation described how they educate and empower interested parties to participate in market governance. The Pathways proposal includes a similar office for the new entity to help in governing the EDAM and WEIM markets.

Northwest electric utilities, including the Bonneville Power Administration, face a major decision that will set the trajectory for electricity trading in the West.  While both options are likely to improve the ability to control costs and integrate clean energy, the panelists highlighted the need to closely examine the full economic benefits and for good governance structures to balance the differing policies across Western states and protect the public interests.

Panel 3. Pam Sporborg, Mary Wiencke, Laura Hersch, Ben Otto. Photo by Alessandra de la Torre. Panel 3 slidesDownload

Table Top Discussion

This year, we added a new component to our conference – an interactive Table Top Discussion. Attendees broke into small groups of eight or so people per table among 26 tables to discuss experience, goals and hopes in breaking down silos among the various entities represented at the conference – NGOs, government agencies, businesses, utilities, Tribes – to work together toward creating an equitable clean energy transition. Each person in the room contributed knowledge, expertise, questions and dialogue to addressing climate impacts on communities and approaching our challenges in an intersectional nature. Based on feedback and comments in the event surveys, attendees were resoundingly in favor of continuing to carry on the break out discussions at future conferences. We thank everyone for their participation.

Word cloud from attendees generated during the Table Top discussion.

Save the date for the NW Energy Coalition’s spring 2025 Clean & Affordable Energy Conference in Missoula on Wednesday, May 7, 2025! 

The post Clean & Affordable Energy Conference Digest – Fall 2024 first appeared on NW Energy Coalition.

An Interview With Richmond Progressive Alliance Stalwart Gayle Mclaughlin

By Steve Early

This article was originally published on https://www.californiadsa.org/news/rpa-2024-interview

In 2006 Richmond, California became the largest city in the U.S. to elect a Green Party member as its mayor (a record it still holds). The successful candidate, who served eight years in that office, was Gayle McLaughlin, a leading critic of Chevron Corporation, the city’s largest employer and biggest polluter. McLaughlin co-founded the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) and is now an East Bay DSA member as well. 

Taking out the trash just got cleaner and quieter Jonathan Lee Sun, 11/24/2024 - 8:32 am

The Climate Protection Program is back! Juan M. Muñoz … Fri, 11/22/2024 - 3:52 pm

Residents are concerned about an explosion and fire last year at a facility that processes fracking waste.

The post Fairmont residents press agencies on blast at W.V. fracking waste site appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

White-nose syndrome is wiping out bats. This voluntary plan has guidelines for conservation measures that protect their winter and summer habitats.

The post New conservation plan aims to protect endangered Pa. bats from habitat loss appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

The Northeast has faced a record-breaking drought this fall. It's impacting trees, including the ones we put in our homes at Christmas. Most steel is made using coal. A new report says emissions from plants that are part of this traditional steelmaking have serious consequences for public health. A new exhibit looks at the environmental implications of our fashion choices.

Also, there's been a sharp decline of several Pennsylvania bat species from white-nose syndrome. A new federal conservation plan aims to keep development projects from making things worse. ClearWater Conservancy recently received two grants to help pay for its new Community Conservation Center, which will serve as a hub for land conservation and watershed protection in central Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is hopeful a state ban on Sunday hunting will be completely lifted next year. After an explosion at a fracking waste disposal site last year, nearby residents had concerns about impacts on health and the environment.

The post Episode for November 22, 2024 appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

President Joe Biden has created more national monuments in a single term than any president since Jimmy Carter left office in 1981—and there is still time to do more before he leaves office.

One of President Biden’s first moves in office was to restore Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah after President Trump attempted to reduce their size. Since then, he has created six new monuments and expanded two more, totaling 1.6 million acres. “He really started thinking about monuments right from the get-go,” said Justin Pidot, a professor at the University of Arizona College of Law who worked in the Biden and Obama administrations. “So, you see much more activity than you usually see during the first term.”

California Tribes are advocating for three more new national monuments before Biden leaves office, noting that a second Trump administration poses a risk for additional attempts to reduce national monuments, and possibly a broader challenge to the Antiquities Act itself, the more than 100-year-old law that gives presidents the authority to designate national monuments via proclamation. Local advocates are also pushing for the protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon and the Dolores Canyons in southwest Colorado.

Conservation and public lands victories in 2024

Despite the looming threat of a second Trump administration, there are several key conservation and public lands victories achieved in 2024 that are worthy of celebrating, as noted in a recent article by The Wilderness Society. Examples include the Bureau of Land Management’s public lands and oil and gas rules, and its release of a plan to guide renewable energy development on public lands; enhanced protections for the Western Arctic; new and expanded national monuments and national wildlife refuges; mineral withdrawals to protect sensitive ecosystems and landscapes from drilling and mining; and historic funding for access to outdoor experiences. Read the article for some good news to end the week.

Quick hits Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy worth more than $17 billion in 2023

Axios

Biden has designated six national monuments—can he do more?

KUNC

Roundup of bleak predictions for Trump’s incoming energy and environment team, and what it means for public lands

The Guardian [wildfire] | E&E News [DOI] | ABC News | CBS News [drilling] | Associated Press | CNBC | Denver Post [DOE nominee] | E&E News [Commerce nominee]

A fatal forecast: Extreme heat is killing more Las Vegas residents than ever

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Salmon are “coming home” to spawn in Klamath River after removal of dams

Associated Press

Study: Wildlife crossings need to incorporate climate change

E&E News

Decision on protections for Monarch butterflies coming soon

KDLG

The 10 best hikes in Utah’s national parks

Outside

Quote of the day

One of the coolest things about the fact that monarchs are kind of everywhere is that everyone can get involved with conservation. One of our goals at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to maintain that magic for the public.”

—Cat Darst, wildlife biologist and assistant field supervisor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, KDLG

Picture This

@nationalparkservice

If you’re ever required to write a 1,000 word essay, we suggest submitting a picture instead.

People say they’re worth a 1,000 words. Who are we to argue? Here’s a great one of @grandcanyonnps. Good luck, you got this!

Image: Pastel pink light tints the Grand Canyon landscape and clouds, just after sunset. The view is from Yavapai Point on the South Rim. NPS/M.Quinn

#sceniclandscape #grandcanyon #sunset #travel #beautifuldestinations #nature #apictureisworthathousandwords

Featured image: Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, one of the six new national monuments designated by President Biden. Photo credit: Center for Western Priorities.

The post Biden designated six new national monuments—can he do more? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

The exhibit at Drexel University spans fashions of the past to the waste of today's industry. “We have enough clothes on the planet to clothe the next six generations."

The post So beautiful but so terrible: Philly exhibit traces the ecology of fashion appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

2024 Election Update: The Future of the Redrock

The November election was, without a doubt, a major setback in our work to protect the redrock wilderness. Much of the progress we’ve achieved—everything from the restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments to stopping new fossil fuel development—is now at risk.

Recent fallout from the election includes President-elect Trump’s selection of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, an enthusiastic proponent of fossil fuel development, for U.S. Interior Secretary (see recent coverage in the New York Times). And just this week we learned that Utah’s climate-change-denying, anti-wilderness, and anti-monument senator, Mike Lee, will become chairman of the powerful Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (read SUWA’s statement here).

As we confront the oncoming litany of attacks, SUWA will remain focused on defending the redrock. We will show up every day, whether it’s through legal action, community rallies, or stopping the sure-to-come bad legislation. We have never backed down from a hard fight, and we’re not going to start now.

Goodbyes and Fruitful New Beginnings

As you may have seen online or in one of our recent mailings, SUWA’s longtime Executive Director Scott Groene will be leaving at the end of 2024. Scott has received sincere and touching messages from many of you, and the staff is grateful for your ongoing support. Read Scott’s letter to our members, as well as a message from SUWA Board Chair Tom Kenworthy, at suwa.org/farewelltoscott.

We recognize that this is a significant transition for our organization, but rest assured that our dedicated board of directors is working hard to find a new executive director who will provide strong, steady leadership in the years to come. A nationwide search is underway and the position has been posted on our website at suwa.org/careers. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested!

Members and supporters will be the first to hear about SUWA’s next leader and we look forward to sharing more in the future.

Red Cliffs Saga Takes a Hopeful Turn

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) indicating the BLM’s intent to deny a right-of-way for the proposed four-lane Northern Corridor Highway through Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) in southwestern Utah near Zion National Park. The proposed route would have violated five bedrock environmental laws and threatened critical habitat for the imperiled Mojave desert tortoise, recreational opportunities, and scenic vistas.

According to the final SEIS, the Northern Corridor Highway is a poor option for the St. George community as it would increase fire probability and frequency, result in permanent loss to designated critical tortoise habitat, spread noxious weeds and invasive plants, and adversely impact the highest number of cultural and historical resources of all considered alternatives.

Unfortunately, longtime highway proponents have now resorted to spreading misinformation. Conserve Southwest Utah, SUWA’s longtime partner in the fight to stop the proposed Highway, has great resources that we encourage you to review, such as “The Truth About Zone 6,” this recent email, and extensive background information.

>> Read more about the decision in our press release with partner organizations

Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA

Land Exchange Finalized for Areas Protected in Emery County Bill

Earlier this month the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it had finalized a land exchange with the Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA) for areas protected in the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 (Dingell Act).

In a major victory for conservationists, the Dingell Act designated 663,000 acres of BLM-managed wilderness in Emery County, established the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, added 63 miles of the Green River to the National Wild and Scenic River System, and designated the John Wesley Powell National Conservation Area and the Jurassic National Monument. It also established a process for exchanging the state-owned TLA lands (which are open to development) for lands elsewhere in the state. That process is now complete.

“One of the primary goals of the land exchange between BLM and TLA is to ensure the long-term protection of designated wilderness areas in Emery County,” said SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch. “The checkerboard pattern of TLA lands within designated wilderness poses a serious threat of development and inconsistent management within those areas and we are encouraged to see this land exchange process get closer to the finish line.”

>> Read our full press statement

Adobe © Ray Bloxham/SUWA

New Hats and Merch Bundles—Just in Time for the Holiday Season!

The giving season is here! Celebrate your love for the redrock with something truly special. We’re offering two exclusive new merch bundles in our online store, available while supplies last (or until December 31st). Choose from our Mill Creek Bundle ($70) or Westwater Bundle ($100), each packed with handpicked items inspired by Utah’s redrock wilderness at a $41-$50 dollar savings.

While you’re at it, don’t miss our brand new logo hats available in lightweight nylon and durable canvas (also included in our bundles). At just $35 each, they’re a perfect wardrobe addition for anyone who wants to show their love for Utah wilderness. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift, remember that these deals won’t last long. Order by Friday, December 6th for delivery in time for the holidays.

>> Click here to shop now

Giving Thanks and Preparing for the Work Ahead

As the year approaches its end and we prepare to face the unprecedented challenges ahead, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for standing with us. You are the heart of the Protect Wild Utah movement and your support has been instrumental in preserving the beauty, solitude, cultural heritage, and unique ecosystems of Utah’s redrock wilderness.

Because of you, SUWA has been able to defend public lands in Utah despite the odds being stacked against us. We are deeply grateful for all you do to help ensure that wild places remain intact for future generations.

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 3rd and we invite you to deepen your support. Make a one-time gift or consider becoming a monthly donor—one of the best ways to help ensure that SUWA has the resources to successfully defend Utah’s wild landscapes in the challenging years ahead. Thank you again for your support!

The post November 2024 Redrock Report appeared first on Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

It also found nearly 250,000 cases of asthma every year were caused as a result of the air pollution from coal-based steel, such as at U.S. Steel's Mon Valley plants.

The post Report: Coal-based steelmaking causes hundreds of premature deaths and billions in health costs nationwide appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

The effort to build a loop of trails in Rothrock State Forest in Centre and Huntingdon counties just got a boost from the state, with a $500,000 grant.

The post Rothrock trail initiative gets state grant for project’s second phase appeared first on The Allegheny Front.

City of Richmond Announces Launch of ARPA Business Support Grant Applications to Support Small Businesses 

Richmond, CA – The City of Richmond is pleased to announce the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds to assist local small businesses in recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a national effort to support small businesses most affected by the pandemic, the City of Richmond has partnered with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to distribute $350,000 in grant funds. This initiative aims to revitalize Richmond’s small businesses while also providing free technical support, business training, workshops, and consultations. These resources are designed to build capacity and support the recovery and growth of Richmond's small businesses impacted by COVID

The series of agreements that govern the management of the Colorado River are set to expire at the end of 2026. The stakes for negotiating the next series of agreements are incredibly high, with 40 million Americans and over 5 million acres of farmland in southwestern and western states relying on the river in the midst of a historic and ongoing mega drought.

Since March, the seven states and numerous Tribal nations that share this precious resource have struggled to reach an agreement on the future management of the river—how it should be shared, and which states will bear the brunt of the most significant cuts to water use. To circumvent the gridlock, the Interior department and the Bureau of Reclamation have unveiled five possible paths forward that the Biden administration will analyze for a draft environmental impact statement to be released in early 2025.

“There certainly are extremely difficult choices and trade-offs to be made, but we believe that there are ample opportunities to create a fair path to solutions that work for the entire basin,” Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said in a news conference Wednesday. White House national climate adviser Ali Zaidi concurred about the possibility of “a consensus path,” saying, “We can either remain stuck at an impasse, or we can secure a future for future generations that promises the stability and sustainability of one of our greatest natural resources.”

Quick hits Report: Outdoor recreation contributes $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, 5 million jobs

SGB Media

Tribal representatives call on Biden to designate three new national monuments in California

KTLA

Jonathan Thompson: Governance by spite and the future of Bears Ears National Monument

The Land Desk

Scientists: Don’t count on trees and other natural carbon sinks to stop climate change

E&E News

Nevada may see less solar, more gas under Trump administration

Nevada Current

How oil and gas companies disguise their methane emissions

Financial Times

Biden admin urges “consensus path” for future Colorado River management

E&E News | KUNC | Las Vegas Review Journal | Associated Press | Colorado Sun | Denver Post | The Hill | Nevada Current

Global oil market faces 1 million barrel glut next year

Bloomberg

Quote of the day

For us, it’s about more than protecting the environment. Our culture, spirituality, and identity are connected to the ecosystems our people have inhabited for thousands of years. If a species goes extinct, if a mountain is destroyed by mining, if a river runs dry due to over-extraction–that is the same thing to us as losing a relative or having someone close to us harmed. We lose a part of ourselves and our history.”

—Lena Ortega, Kw’tsán Cultural Committee Member and Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe member, KTLA

Picture This

@usinterior

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece of a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes and tundra at @greatsanddunesnps in Colorado.

We are able to protect places like Great Sand Dunes because of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. LWCF is a critical tool for preserving our nation’s cultural identity and ensuring all Americans have access to public lands and waters.

Photo by Patrick Myers / NPS

#greatsanddunes #usinterior #colorado #publiclands

Featured image: Lake Mead. Photo by Andrew Pernick, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Flickr.

The post Biden admin urges “consensus path” for Colorado River management appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s Richmond City Council meeting below. If you're interested in making public comments as a member of RPA or getting involved, contact us. Meetings are primarily held on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.

Storm Preparedness

Keep your family safe from the atmospheric river by picking up free sandbags at these locations. Seniors and disabled residents are welcome to request home deliveries by calling 510-231-3011. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.

Sandbag Locations:

Bayview Fire Station | 4801 Bayview Ave., Richmond, CA 94804

Rear entrance to the Corporation Yard (next to 10 Harbour Way)

How to Fill and Use Storm Sandbags

Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January could reverse many of the United States’ most significant efforts to address climate change, and overturn decades worth of environmental policies and regulations. The president-elect and his nominees for key government posts have promised to increase fossil fuel production, roll back rules aimed at curbing pollution, dismantle support for renewable energy, and diminish the U.S.’ role in international climate negotiations.

The Washington Post put together a list of twelve of the biggest anti-environment, anti-climate changes Trump and his team could make:

1. Withdraw from the Paris climate agreement
2. Open up more areas for oil and gas drilling
3. Weaken power plant rules
4. Abolish a fee on methane
5. Claw back clean energy subsidies
6. Shrink national monuments
7. End the pause on approving facilities and exporting liquified natural gas
8. Scrap Biden’s environmental justice initiative
9. Narrow protections for endangered plants and animals
10. End climate disclosure rules for corporations
11. Lift restrictions on auto emissions
12. Stall federal clean energy purchasing

This industry-sponsored wishlist underscores the imperative that the Biden administration complete as many environmental regulations and actions with the time it has left, which the Washington Post is also tracking. There is still time left for President Joe Biden to establish more national monuments, and for his Interior department to finalize protections for threatened and endangered species and bring more renewable energy projects over the finish line.

Quick hits Colorado looks to cut insurance costs for wildfire-protected homes

E&E News

12 changes Trump could make to climate and environmental policies

Washington Post

Has the EPA run out of time to address air pollution violations in the Permian Basin?

Capital & Main

Wyoming is about to find out if sage-grouse will visit a human-created breeding lek

WyoFile

American Petroleum Institute just gave Trump a deregulatory wishlist

ESG Dive

Fifth wolf killed north of Yellowstone National Park despite quota

WyoFile

Opinion: The Rock Springs management plan isn’t perfect, but it should still go into effect

Cowboy State Daily

Trump wants a big expansion in fossil fuel production—can he do that?

Vox

Quote of the day

Dismantling environmental protections through federal lawsuits against states is likely if past is prologue.”

—James Kenney, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary, Capital & Main

Picture This

@usinterior

Red Shawl Day is a day to remember and honor the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis and their families. We wear red to bring attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against Indigenous communities, particularly women and children.

Photo by @usindianaffairs

Featured image: Colorado coal mine. Photo by BLM Colorado, Flickr.

The post Big changes Trump could make to climate and environment policies appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.

Over 1900 comments poured in during the Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed Mineral Withdrawal comment period. Huge shoutout to each of you for your amazing participation!  Now we have another challenge. An unprecedented investment in billboards from a generous donor means that we will be launching our billboards campaign soon! This will bring our message LOUD … Continue reading Your Help is Needed to Keep the Momentum Going!

November 19, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUWA Statement on Senator Lee’s selection to lead Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – 11.19.24

Contacts:
Grant Stevens, Communications Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA); (319) 427-0260; grant@suwa.org

Salt Lake City, UT – Today, it was announced that Senator Mike Lee was selected to lead the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 119th Congress. Below is a statement from Travis Hammill, SUWA DC Director. 

“Senator Lee’s elevation to chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee is a direct threat to America’s public lands. With his radical MAGA policy positions of doubling down on fossil fuels and denying that climate change poses an immediate threat to the nation’s well-being, coupled with his work to undo the very concept of America’s public lands, Senator Lee is uniquely and distinctly unqualified for this leadership post,” said Travis Hammill, SUWA DC Director. “He has been particularly critical of popular public lands protections for treasured places like Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, highlighting how he’s out of step with the importance of these places to Americans.”

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The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) is a nonprofit organization with members and supporters from around the country dedicated to protecting America’s redrock wilderness. From offices in Moab, Salt Lake City, and Washington, DC, our team of professionals defends the redrock, organizes support for America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, and stewards this world-renowned landscape. Learn more at www.suwa.org.

 

The post SUWA Statement on Senator Lee’s selection to lead Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – 11.19.24 appeared first on Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.