Department of Interior
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The Obama administration may issue an order that would expand the National Environmental Policy Act’s scope to prevent global warming. The move could open up new avenues to challenge projects. I review grazing allotment renewal documents and rarely, if ever, have I seen climate change discussed. When it is discussed, and only in response to…
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Judge Winmill largely rules in favor of plaintiffs on the Nickel Creek case- From Western Watersheds Project v. Department of Interior: “For the reasons explained below, the Court will grant WWP’s motion in part, finding that the decision of the Interior Board of Land Appeals is arbitrary and capricious, and remanding the matter to the…
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BLM roundup of wild horses in Nevada is heated- Los Angeles Times on the Nevada “roundup” My view on wild or “feral” horses and burros is that they are non-natives species that, like cattle, damage the range and harm native wildlife. The BLM’s preoccupation with them, rather than making sure the land barons properly manage…
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Proposal is for a six square mile strip mine between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks- Initial plans are for 635 acre mine (one square mile) and would expand to over 6 square miles. The notion of a mine here has been floating around for years. Now it is serious. Coal mine. Trucks could hurt…
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Mojave Trails National Monument would protect 941,000 acres of public land. 314,000 acres of existing ORV areas would also be protected- The article says environmentalists, hunters, and off-roaders support the legislation. Part of these areas had been targeted for big solar power developments. The total list is: Mojave Trails NM, 941,000 acres; Sand to Snow…
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Salazar condemns oil industry lies about leasing on public lands- Well good for the Secretary of Interior! I don’t watch much television, but when I do, I’m amazed at the number of ads energy companies are producing. I’d bet 90% of the population believes that “BP” stands for beyond petroleum, not the company’s actual name…
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Fake bidder for oil and gas leases to stop last Administration’s leasing near Utah national parks loses his bid to rest his trial on global warming- It looks like Tim DeChristopher will pay heavily for his civil disobedience. Republican prosecutors were not amused, and the judge will not allow a defense based on necessity to…
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New rules governing use of vehicles on BLM land will now go into effect- I’m not familiar with the details of vehicle use in this area, but it sounds like all sides appealed, although probably more on the off-roaders side. Travel plans, once relatively non-controversial documents, have become major public land controversies almost everywhere in…