Utah’s delegation tries to roll back protections, riling a conservation-minded outdoors cohort.
State government
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In Wyoming, a cautious public lands victory
Grassroots efforts to fight land transfer bills have succeeded — for now.
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Trump’s Cabinet choices reflect deep Koch influence
A rundown of the people with ties to ALEC, the Koch brothers and federal land transfer legislation.
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The other land transfer effort
After more than a century, some Western states receive school trust lands.
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At least 15 counties have left the American Lands Council
But that doesn’t mean Western counties have backed down on land transfers.
Posted inOctober 3, 2016: Purple Rain
Dark money is re-shaping Arizona’s energy fights
The 2010 Citizens United decision is affecting elections on the ground.
Posted inOctober 3, 2016: Purple Rain
How the West’s populist politics play out at the ballot box
Voter-driven ballot initiatives are a powerful force during the Western election season.
Posted inOctober 3, 2016: Purple Rain
In Arizona’s shift toward purple, a backlash to Trump hastens the pace
Democrats hope increased Latino turnout will upset Republican dominance in the state.
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Washington state implements rule to combat climate change
State Department of Ecology unveils initiative to cap and reduce the carbon pollution.
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California nixes funding for coal export terminals
Governor’s bill blocks transport to markets in Asia.
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West Obsessed: Genetics and the plight of Mexican wolves
Turf wars and management missteps have hurt the recovery of Arizona and New Mexico’s remaining wolf packs, leaving them dangerously inbred.
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Park Service ended a wolf study in Alaska, since so many have been killed
The state culled wolves that had been collared, and it’s no longer feasible to continue research.
Posted inAugust 8, 2016: Line of Descent
Line of descent: How poor management left Mexican wolves dangerously inbred
Missteps and conflict between the state and the feds have hounded the recovery of Arizona and New Mexico’s remaining wolf packs.
Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power
Salmon power
A historic legal victory could give Alaska tribes more control over their fish, wildlife and homelands.
Posted inJuly 25, 2016: Salmon Power
Land transfer battles rage on, county by county
The American Lands Council supports local control but keeps its list of member counties secret.
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This year’s GOP platform pushes federal land transfers
“Returning” lands to states has long been a party plank and a shifting political landscape could open the door.
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We should be proud of delisting grizzlies
The bear is a huge conservation success story, and it shows that the Endangered Species Act works.
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Wyoming considers raising an already unique wind tax
Legislators say wind needs to pay its fair share, but critics fear a higher tax could drive energy—and revenue—away.
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New Mexico’s baby wolf swap worked. Why won’t state officials get on board?
It’s time for Gov. Susana Martinez to give wolf reintroductions the nod.
Posted inJune 13, 2016: Water to Dust
It’s time for our legislators to stop ignoring science
How public policy-making ought to work: Get the facts, make the policy.