The rural West may have helped elect Trump, but his vision leaves them behind.
Politics
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Oregon may sell a state forest that’s no longer profitable
Elliott State Forest shows the difficult balance between profit and conservation.
Posted inApril 3, 2017: Firestorm
Latest: At Hanford, allegations of worker intimidation
The Superfund site has been in clean-up since 1989.
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California wants to give dispirited federal workers a job
Why the state’s utility commission is recruiting EPA, Energy employees.
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The battle over Montana’s vacant House seat
A banjo-playing Democrat and a tech-industry Republican are fighting to fill Ryan Zinke’s spot.
Posted inMarch 20, 2017: The Tree Ring
A tale of two Roosevelts
Two books examine how both Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt helped build an American conservation ethos.
Posted inMarch 20, 2017: The Tree Ring
Scott Pruitt isn’t the first administrator hostile to the EPA’s mission
How Reagan’s EPA chief left a roadmap for taking down the agency.
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Western court in the crosshairs again
The 9th Circuit Court rules against Trump, and a debate to break it up reignites.
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What will a Zinke-led Interior Department look like?
His priorities so far: energy, sportsmen access, park repairs & restoring public trust.
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The Western origins of the sanctuary movement
Churches in the West are once again at the forefront of a grassroots effort to save immigrants from deportation.
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If Colorado wants the Outdoor Retailer show, it should earn it
Big Rec wants to make a statement. Staying out of Colorado would be a strong one.
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Montana wilderness bill reflects compromise and care
The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act grew out of successful collaboration in a complicated landscape.
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Southwestern utilities back down from rooftop solar fight
Public support for rooftop solar has led to more moderate positions.
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We’re ignoring a major factor in the immigration debate
Climate change is exacerbating illegal immigration.
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Indian Country cannot afford to close the door to Republicans
Tribal issues cut across party lines.
Posted inMay 1, 2017: Change Comes to Short Creek
Republicans push to split the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Bills to break up the big Western court have reappeared in Congress.
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Across party lines, Western governors see a partner in Pruitt
A bipartisan group couldn’t get what they wanted from the old EPA.
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Trump gets to replace judge who blocked his travel ban
Federal Judge James Robart is among three Washington judges up for replacement.
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Why farmers think the Clean Water Rule goes too far
Its repeal won’t clear up confusion, though.
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Climate scientists fear harassment, threats
Researchers fear attacks from a range of powerful foes in the coming years – and for many, it has long been happening.