Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** More than 80 groups oppose Pearce nomination for BLM director
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Monday, January 12, 2026
2018 political ad attacking Steve Pearce’s land sell-off record, archived in CWP’s How Public Lands Won the West ([link removed]) comp reel
A coalition of more than 80 organizations is calling on ([link removed]) lawmakers, including U.S. Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, to oppose the nomination of Steve Pearce to be director of the Bureau of Land Management. Pearce is President Trump's second nominee for the position; his first nominee, Kathleen Sgamma, withdrew abruptly over statements she had made related to the January 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Pearce worked in the oil and gas industry before representing New Mexico's second congressional district in Congress and running unsuccessfully for governor of New Mexico in 2018.
In addition to his oil and gas industry ties, Pearce has a history ([link removed]) of advocating for privatization and sell-off of national public lands. "Mr. Pearce’s persistent calls for the privatization of public lands are alarming, especially for the millions of Americans who mere months ago witnessed—and emphatically opposed—the sell-off attempt in the reconciliation package," the groups wrote in a letter ([link removed]) to Senators Lee and Heinrich, who serve as chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Will Maduro’s capture lead to an American oil rift?
In the latest episode ([link removed]) of the Center for Western Priorities podcast, The Landscape ([link removed]) , Kate and Aaron talk to Kelly Mitchell ([link removed]) , ([link removed]) executive director of oil industry watchdog FieldNotes ([link removed]) , about what Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the U.S. means for oil and gas producers here in the West. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been cheering on Trump’s actions in Venezuela and calling on U.S. companies to start drilling there.
** Quick hits
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Fed agency looking for wildlife refuges that ‘no longer align with the mission’
Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])
Arizona mine faces scrutiny after heavy metal discharge
Arizona Daily Star ([link removed])
Trump’s plan to charge foreigners more is causing chaos at national parks
Washington Post ([link removed]) | The Guardian ([link removed])
Feds to reject a Colorado clean air plan because it aims to close coal-fired power plants
CPR News ([link removed]) | Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Trump’s $100 billion Venezuela oil plan gets a cool reception
New York Times ([link removed]) | Grist ([link removed])
Western U.S. is in a snow drought, and storms have been making it worse
The Conversation ([link removed])
Feds release draft report outlining management plans for Colorado River’s future
Colorado Sun ([link removed]) | Nevada Current ([link removed])
2025’s most dangerous lawmaker for public lands
More Than Just Parks ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” It’s an outrageous fee, it’s like we are telling people we don’t want them here. It’s not in the spirit of national parks.”
—An anonymous national park staffer, The Guardian ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@joshuatreenps ([link removed])
Is that a… goth cardinal? 🐦⬛
The Phainopeplas are here! Every winter, the park welcomes a large assortment of migratory birds. This is especially exciting for visitors hoping to hear a different birdsong or see a new flash of color darting by! 🎵
The Phainopepla’s shiny, black feathers and bright red eyes make for an interesting sight. Although strange, they’re perfectly suited for the winter desert environment. Black feathers absorb the sun’s warmth and red eyes help to enhance vision on grey-skied days. 🌨️
Media by NPS
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