Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** After signing climate bill, Biden prepares additional measures to fight climate change
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, August 22, 2022
President Biden signs legislation in the Oval Office of the White House. Source: White House Flickr ([link removed])

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act was a substantial first step toward addressing climate change, and the New York Times reports ([link removed]) that President Biden appears to be ready to take executive action ([link removed]) to reduce emissions further. White House officials say that Biden plans to issue new regulations on vehicle tailpipe emissions, power plants, and oil and gas wells. The president has the executive authority ([link removed]) to issue regulations through federal agencies and can establish rules to address air pollution under the Clean Air Act of 1970.

White House climate advisor Gina McCarthy said that these additional regulatory moves would help the president keep his promise to cut greenhouse gas emissions ([link removed]) by 50 percent, compared to 2005 levels, by the end of the decade. “The president has not chosen to just look at Congress, he’s chosen to recognize that he has presidential authorities and responsibilities under the law to keep moving this forward,” McCarthy said. “And he’s going to continue to use those.”

Beyond issuing new emissions regulations, Biden has other tools at his disposal ([link removed]) . He could declare a national climate emergency, which would give the president the power to unlock federal funding for clean energy. The administration can also address the leasing reforms that didn’t make it into the final bill, which would have required oil and gas companies to post bonds sufficient to clean up after themselves. Finally, Biden can take executive action to achieve his America the Beautiful initiative ([link removed]) to protect 30 percent of America's lands by 2030.

"Reducing carbon emissions alone will not be enough to address the intertwined climate and biodiversity crises," said Center for Western Priorities Director Jennifer Rokala ([link removed]) . "In order for President Biden to reach his 30×30 goal, he must move quickly to work with states, cities, and private landowners to ensure more voluntary protections of critical ecosystems. And he must use every tool at his disposal, including the Antiquities Act, to protect new national monuments and conservation areas across America.”
Quick hits


** Wind energy boom and golden eagles collide in Colorado and other Western states
------------------------------------------------------------

Associated Press ([link removed])


** At Basin and Range National Monument, artist Michael Heizer’s megasculpture is finally revealed
------------------------------------------------------------

New York Times ([link removed])


** Supreme Court climate ruling leaves EJ communities at risk
------------------------------------------------------------

E&E News ([link removed])


** Here’s how some species will survive climate change
------------------------------------------------------------

Scientific American ([link removed])


** Lawsuit filed to force decision on federal protection of Northern Rocky wolves
------------------------------------------------------------

Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])


** Can a massive effort to replant cacti in the Sonoran Desert restore an ecosystem ravaged by fire?
------------------------------------------------------------

bioGraphic ([link removed])


** Endangered Species Act protections for Idaho salmon, steelhead are here to stay
------------------------------------------------------------

Associated Press ([link removed])


** Deluge in Moab deemed a 100-year flood
------------------------------------------------------------

Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” What is new and shocking is these large areas, one hundred acres or more, where every single sequoia is killed. There is no evidence anything like that has happened in the past one thousand years, probably many thousands of years.”
—Nate Stephenson, USGS Forest Scientist, Washington Post ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
We’re awestruck by this lightning storm over the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico. Storms like this are beautiful but can be dangerous. Here’s some tips for staying safe:
⚡check the weather forecast
⚡watch for lightning
⚡find shelter

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Center for Western Priorities, All rights reserved.
You've signed up to receive Look West updates.

Center for Western Priorities
1999 Broadway
Suite 520
Denver, CO 80202
USA
** View this on the web ([link removed])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])