The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which was established after the Atomic Energy Commission was dissolved in 1974, is an independent federal agency tasked with regulating nuclear materials, radioactive waste, nuclear reactors and nuclear security. The NRC works to protect public health and the environment by overseeing the safe use of radioactive materials. Its duties include writing […]
Rebecca Worby
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What is the Department of Homeland Security?
After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, 22 existing federal departments and agencies were integrated into the Department of Homeland Security, with a stated mission of preventing terrorism and protecting Americans from various threats. The Cabinet-level department handles a broad range of duties related to public security, including immigration, border security, anti-terrorism, cyber-security and other domestic […]
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What is the Congressional Budget Office?
The Congressional Budget Office is a federal agency within the legislative branch that analyzes budget and economic issues. It releases cost estimates and looks at proposed legislation as part of Congress’ annual budgeting process. Its reports include baseline and long-term projections, economic forecasts, and analysis of federal programs and tax rules. The forecasts of the […]
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A last-minute health care deal courts Western lawmakers
When Republicans return to the reform issue, which senators will they need to woo?
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A military legacy loosens its grip on a landscape
Plans for Colorado’s Camp Hale balance restoration and commemoration.
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Forest Service leadership lands in Southern hands
A new chief steps in as Western forests blaze.
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As sportsmen watch Zinke, disillusionment replaces hope
Concerns are rising that the Interior Secretary’s actions won’t match his rhetoric.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
Summer visits from dear friends
Including some former staffers, Bryce Gray and Lyndsey Gilpin.
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Details emerge on proposed monument cutbacks
Interior Secretary Zinke says he will recommend reductions to some monuments, but not eliminations.
Posted inAugust 21, 2017: Rooftop Revolution
The mystery of owls, revealed
A deep look at 53 owl species, their habitats, mating rituals and more.
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Forest Service confronts a popular hot springs’ overuse
Rangers tackle the conundrum of protecting loved-to-death wilderness.
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The West’s latest prospecting frenzy? Extraterrestrial gold.
Companies are hunting for lithium near Moab, Utah.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
A wild sanity dance through the Rockies
Dancers and artists inspired by Wallace Stegner celebrate the geography of hope.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Our photo contest is underway!
A heat wave, staffing changes, and more dear friends.
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The quieter monument battles to watch
What local leaders are saying about lesser-known areas as review nears its end.
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There’s still time to comment on marine monument review
So why aren’t we hearing about it?
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In California, a bipartisan win for cap and trade
The state Legislature extends groundbreaking climate legislation.
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Will Congress fix wildfire funding this year?
Proposed legislation would put logging ahead of environmental concerns.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
Cartographers have been making bad maps for centuries
A new volume of maps shows the evolution of how we understand geography.
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Neighbors clash over a Colorado chicken farm
A local court decision lands on the side of a 15,000-hen operation.