Conservation, wilderness and water provisions long in the works were added to the massive energy bill.
Politics
Posted inArticles
In Washington, the Nooksack 306 fight to stay in their tribe
An internecine battle rages over tribal membership and identity.
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Soundtable: The West and the White House
Experts discuss this year’s presidential race and what Western issues are coming to the fore.
Posted inApril 4, 2016: A Land Divided
Can a legal victory make Indian Country whole again?
For over a century, federal law has split Native American land holdings into tiny pieces. A settlement unites some of the splinters, but at a steep cost.
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The growing influence of Hispanic voters in the West
Latinos make up 21 percent of the region’s electorate, and election-day turn-out is on the rise.
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Interior Department waffles on Arctic oil and gas leasing
The federal government is asking Alaska Natives which areas are too sensitive to drill.
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
Does conserving species actually curb development?
A new study suggests ESA doesn’t stop economic growth, but the devil’s in the details.
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
Drugged up fishes, Bundy’s feral cattle, and a how-to for cannibalism
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inMarch 21, 2016: Making Sense of Malheur
How Nevada became the first Western caucus (and why it matters)
The early caucus drew attention to Western issues. In November, the state will play an even bigger role.
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In southern Utah, a ranger is jailed under questionable circumstances
The region has a history of sheriffs butting heads with federal land agencies.
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Fairy tales about the West are fueling public lands conflict
Last month, a federal court indicted the armed extremists who took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon on multiple counts of felony conspiracy, making threats and other serious charges. The property damage they caused, which is still being assessed, will likely be charged to the American taxpayers on whose behalf they claimed […]
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The Colorado caucus system works — sort of
The minuteae of the political process matter and are sometimes based on outdated systems.
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How progressives are taking a page from ALEC’s playbook
Conservatives push agendas through a centralized state network; progressives are building one of their own.
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Utah senator blocks emergency bill for Flint, Michigan
Lee’s opposition helps build his brand as a hardcore conservative.
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Recent criminal justice reforms by state
California has led the way for other states to reduce prison populations.
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Forest Service rejects Grand Canyon luxury village
The setback is just the latest in a 30-year push to develop the rim.
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Are Clean Power Plan targets out of reach for Western states?
Experts say emissions targets are attainable, but uncertainty over how to get there remains.
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Clean Power Plan stay spurs enviros into action
The unexpected stay, plus attempts to block Obama from appointing a Supreme Court justice, energized greens.
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Interactive timeline: Livestock grazing in the West
Whether grazing on public land is a ‘right’ or a ‘privilege’ is one of the region’s most contentious issues. Here’s why.
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How an East Coast think tank is fueling the land transfer movement
ALEC is becoming increasingly involved in the public lands debate by providing model bills for Western states.